Raymond T. Fifield, Jr, 94, died Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Cedar Hill Continuing Healthcare in Windsor, VT.

He was born January 15, 1926 in Windsor, VT a son of Raymond and Mary (LeClair) Fifield. Ray attended West Lebanon Schools, graduating from West Lebanon High School Class of 1943. Following high school he enlisted in the US Army and attended the University of Connecticut in the Army Specialized Training Camp before serving in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater with the Corps of Engineers for the remainder of World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. After returning home from the military, while attending Plymouth State College, he met Betty Jane Allen of Rochester, NH, they were married April 17, 1948 and settled in West Lebanon and later in White River Jct. where they raised their family together. Most recently they have lived in Wilder.

Ray was employed by the First National Bank of White River Jct. and First Interstate Bank where he was employed for thirty five years, working his way from bookkeeper and teller to president, overseeing the establishment of branches in  White River, Norwich, Strafford and Hartland before retiring. His banking philosophy was that there is always a place in the community for the small, independent bank as it can better serve the community, people and employees.

Mr. Fifield continued his education in banking throughout the years receiving certificates from Williams College School of Banking and the Harvard Business School for Senior Bank Officers. He was National Director of the Independent Bankers of America, Vermont Director of Small Business Administration and served on several committees of the Vermont Bankers Association. He was also a trustee of the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital for several years and a member of the first Zoning Board of Adjustment for the Town of Hartford.

He was a past member of Holy Redeemer Parish where he was Co-Chairman of the Building Fund, a member of St. Anthony's Parish, Fourth Degree Member of the Michaud Council of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 26 in White River Jct., Life Member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, life member of the Disabled American Veterans in West Lebanon, past secretary and treasurer of the White River Rotary Club, the Vermont and Hartford Historical Societies, past president of the Green Mountain Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association.

Ray was survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty; children Bruce Fifield (Nancy) of Wilder, Terry Fellows (Gary) of Wilder, Laurel Pierce (Peter) of Claremont, NH and Fran Lamb (Carleton) of Hartland; grandchildren Nathan, Heather, Jennifer, Adam, Daniel and Andrew; five great grandchildren and nephews Donald and Kenneth Curtis.

He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Christopher Fellows and Benjamin Pierce as well as a sister, Rachel Curtis.

A graveside service will be held in the West Lebanon Cemetery on Friday, October 2 ^nd at 1PM.

Condolences to Ray's family may be made in an online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2571, PO Box 283, White River Jct., VT 05001 or the Bugbee Senior Center, 262 North Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05001.