Joseph Raymond Buxton, Jr., 88, of Bedford, died December 18, 2024.

Known mostly as Ray, he was raised in Stoneham, MA and was the son of the late Joseph R. and Syliva (LeBlanc) Buxton.

He was a graduate of Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1954. He went on to receive his bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Notre Dame University in 1959 and his Master's from UMass Amherst in the same field.

For 33 years, he worked as an employee of the Federal Government, holding positions at several agencies including Personnel Director at the Volpe Center in Kendall Square. Not ready to fully retire, he worked as a consultant in human relations issues for 17 years.

Ray was an active member of St. Michael Parish in Bedford.

He dedicated his life to his family and public service both professionally and personally. He was active in the Bedford community from coaching town recreation sports teams to various volunteer work.

He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends as he was a gentle giant. Always, doing his best to make this a better world through faith, family, hard work, and kindness.

He is survived by his wife, Ann (Dyer) Buxton, his children, Virginia A. Lavery and her husband James of Bedford, Theresa L. Barmashi and her husband David of Bedford, Matthew J. Buxton and his wife Marta of Concord, John R. Buxton and his wife Jane of W. Roxbury and Caitlin Buxton of Billerica,10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, his sister, Barbara Conrad of Lawrence and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Jane Donohue, Mary Ward and Irene and Mary Buxton.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Friday, December 27, from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, on Saturday, December 28, at 9:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.