David L Raymond

David L. Raymond, 83, died on Friday, July 31, 2026, at home surrounded by his family following a lengthy battle with COPD.

He was born on February 5, 1943, in Enosburg, Vermont, the son of James and Eulah (Arel) Raymond. After graduating from Franklin High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1960 to 1963. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Vermont and worked on the construction of the interstate highway system.

While working in White River Junction, he met Nancy Larabee. The couple married on April 23, 1966, and made their home in White River Junction, where they lived throughout their married life. David worked as a meat cutter for Swift & Company for 15 years. After the plant in White River Junction closed, he changed career paths and began a career in highway maintenance and equipment operation, first with the Town of Hartford Highway Department and later with other employers. David was a true jack-of-all-trades who generously shared his skills with his children, grandchildren, and anyone in need of a helping hand.

In his younger years, David enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting, and he helped create the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) trail system. In his later years, he enjoyed tinkering with lawnmowers and small engines and was often found in his workshop or sitting on the front-yard swing with his beloved dog, Minnie. He also enjoyed sugaring throughout his life, beginning on his family's farm in Franklin and, more recently, with his children in their sugarbush in West Hartford.

David's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He always had time to attend as many of their sporting events and activities as possible. He also enjoyed camping, cruising, and traveling with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Hartford; his beloved dog, Minnie; his children, Debra Brooks and her husband, Chris, of North Hartland, and Kevin Raymond and his wife, Amy, of West Hartford; his grandchildren, Nicholas Brooks of North Hartland, Hunter Brooks and his fiancée, Breanna, of Quechee, Colby Brooks and his wife, Katy, of Omaha, Nebraska, Summer Whitcomb and her husband, Patrick, of West Hartford, and Logan Raymond and his fiancée, Avery, of West Hartford; and his great-grandchildren, Emmett, Morgana, and Rogue, with another great-grandson expected in November. He is also survived by his brothers, Ralph Raymond of Sheldon, Vermont, Roy Raymond of Waterbury, Vermont, James Raymond of Franklin, Vermont, and Richard Raymond of Williamstown, Vermont, as well as many nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Robert Raymond; and his sisters, Betty Fitzgerald and Diane Richardson.

A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family in Christian Street Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with David's family through the online guestbook at Knight Funeral Homes.