Raymond F. Chamberland, 87: Teacher, principal, athletic director at Mt. Everett

Great Barrington — Raymond F Chamberland, Jr, formerly of Great Barrington, Englewood, Fla., and Geer Village in Canaan, Conn., died Monday, November 17, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington, Conn.

He was born in Woonsocket,R.I., on July 1, 1927, son of Raymond F. and Helen Farrell Chamberland. Ray was a graduate of Monsignor James Coyle High School in Taunton, Mass., and the University of Notre Dame Class of ’49, South Bend, Ind.

Ray was an educator/coach/friend/mentor in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District for 30 years, from 1957 until his retirement in 1987. He started as a teacher in 1957 a basketball coach, football coach, athletic director, assistant supervising principal, then principal from 1978-1987 when he retired. He was honored as Massachusetts Secondary Principal of the Year in 1984. In 1993 Mount Everett dedicated their gymnasium in his honor. He was a Berkshire County football official and baseball umpire, retiring in 1976. He was Commissioner of Sports in Berkshire County 1965-1982.  Ray also served on the board of the MIAA.

Ray is survived by his children Ray and wife, Mary; Terry and wife Robin; Karen and husband Mark; Kevin, Cathy, Brian and partner Cindy, and Reverend Gary; grandchildren, Kristen, Christopher, Jessica, Katelyn, Matthew, Beth, Patrick, J.R., Julie, and Tricia; great grandchildren Rowan, Hunter, Shawn, Emily and Steven. He was predeceased by his wife Rita on February 4, 2014, and one daughter, Ann Marie.

Funeral services for Raymond F Chamberland who died November 17 will be held on Saturday, November 22 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church with Rev. Gary S. Chamberland, his son, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Friday, November 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South St., Great Barrington MA.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Raymond’s memory may be made to the Principles Discretionary Fund at Mount Everett High School in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.