NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Raymond John Hotte, 72, of North Adams died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Middlebury, Vt., on March 24, 1944, a son of the late John and Anna (Ethier) Hotte. He graduated from Otter Valley Union High School and attended Johnson State College and the University of Vermont, where he was a member of the ROTC Program.

Ray was employed for 24 years for the New England Telephone Co.. He then started his own telephone business, Raytel Communications, which he owned and operated until his retirement two years ago. He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.

Ray enjoyed woodworking, photography and spending time with family and friends. His first wife Willa (Johnson) Hotte, whom he married July 8, 1967, died October 4, 1991.

Survivors include his wife Sandra (Hoffman) Hotte, whom he married June 1, 1996; three daughters, Melissa Jantas of Ludlow, Deborah Durant and her husband David Jr. of St. Albans, Vt., and Laurie Singer and her significant other Corey Shafer of North Adams; five grandchildren, Ania Jantas, Rebeccah Durant, Hannah Singer, Hayden Singer and an honorary granddaughter Zoey Shafer; two sisters, Irene Bell and her husband Art of Orwell, Vt., and Simone Carvey and her husband James of Pittsford, Vt.; two brothers, Steven Hotte and his wife Staci of Orwell, Vt., and Gary Hotte and his wife Lori of North Carolina; many nieces and nephews; three stepsons, Matthew McLaughlin, Daniel McLaughlin and Michael McLaughlin and his significant other Katrina Jamros; and an honorary grandson, Will Jamros.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Andre and Roger Hotte.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Raymond J. Hotte will take place Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.

Calling hours are Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Flowers may be sent or memorial donations are suggested for Drury High School Band program, Pittsfield Permanent Fireman Benevolent Association, St. Joseph’s Indian School or the Camp Ashmere Scholarship Fund through the funeral home.