Penobscot
Ray Lanterman, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Penobscot on June 26, 2022.
Ray grew up in Morristown, N.J., and played clarinet and saxophone in the Morristown High School orchestra and swing band. Ray attended the New York Institute of Photography and joined the U.S. Army Reserves after high school. As a photographer, he was recognized for his portraiture through his early career in Mendham, N.J. He continued his career in photography into the 1980s until he shifted to his other passion, carpentry and woodworking. He continued his craft in woodworking throughout the rest of his years.
Ray was a longstanding member of Hilltop Presbyterian Church in Mendham. He sang in the church choir and was recognized for his deep bass voice in productions of “The Messiah” and “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” among others. Ray lived in New Jersey until 2005 when he moved to Maine.
Ray would do anything for those he loved. Whether it was crafting cabinets, game boards or rolling pins, helping with projects or baiting a hook, Ray’s way of showing you how much he cared was through service to his friends, family and loved ones.
When Ray wasn’t busy with a project, he could be found fishing, working in the garden or watching his favorite football team. Ray was also the consummate host. He was always in the kitchen preparing fabulous meals and entertaining guests with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. And, through everything, you could always find a pencil behind his ear.
Ray Lanterman was preceded in death by his daughter, Lucy. He is survived by his partner, in love and life, Alice King, his sister, Priscilla Case, his three children, Christopher Lanterman, Timothy Lanterman and Meredith Schade, his three stepchildren, Stacey, Rob, and Heidi Sackerson, and his three grandchildren, Emma, Mason and Jude. He is also survived by Valerie, Bob and Andrew as well as countless other relatives and friends, all of whom will miss him.
Ray’s celebration of life will be held on July 23, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2 Church St. (State Street entrance), Ellsworth, ME 04605.