Naples, FL – Raymond C. “Big Dad” Aldrich, 89 years old, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2015 surrounded by his loving daughters at their home in Naples, FL. Ray was born on June 24, 1926 in Pelham, MA, the son of Walter and Doris (Campbell) Aldrich. He was raised in Pelham and attended Amherst Regional Schools. He left High School to enlist in the US Navy. He proudly served aboard the Submarine USS IREX during World War II. Ray returned from the service and worked in the automotive business. He and his brother founded Aldrich Auto Supply in Amherst in 1959. He was a beloved and important member of the local community. Ray retired from his business in 1988. He was an avid golfer and a devout family man. Ray’s love of golf kept him busy in retirement. He worked in the Pro shop at Hickory Ridge Golf Club in Amherst until he moved to Florida in 2002 to golf year round. He worked in the Pro shop at his Florida golf course until he was 88.

Ray was predeceased by his wife Joan P. (Kelley) Aldrich in 1983. He is survived by his wife Beverly Cook of Trinity, FL and her family of 10 children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by three siblings: Walter S. of Holyoke, MA, Donald B. of Port Charlotte, FL, and Joan Yorke of York, ME, and many nieces and nephews.

Ray is also survived by three children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren: Michael R. and Elaine (Gonski) Aldrich, their daughter Christina and her wife Sharon Ward, Mike’s son Timothy and his wife Dina (Gifford) Aldrich, Mike’s daughter Jennifer, her partner Athell Bennett and their children Athell and Jordan; Kelley A. Aldrich and her sons Kevin Crutch and his wife Nicole of Bonita Springs, FL, and Eric Copithorne and his wife Wendy and their son Ian of Ipswich, MA; and Ellen (Aldrich) Witham and her husband Donald of Naples, FL.

Ray was a great family man and a friend to all. His humor and laughter will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Calling hours will be at the Douglass Funeral Service, 87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Brigid’s Church, 122 North Pleasant Street, Amherst on Friday, October 16, at 10:00am with a burial at St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whiporwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.