NEW HAVEN — Rael H. Mayer, 93, passed peacefully at home on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. Rael will be remembered for his never-ending supply of humor and his great love for his family.

Rael was born in Shoreham, Vt., on Nov. 30, 1928, to Edmond and Elie Anna (Bourbonais) Mayer. He was the fifth of 10 children and the first to be born in the United States.

Rael attended schools in Bridport and Shoreham and began a life of farming at a very young age. Rael, his brother Fernand, and their mother purchased their New Haven farm in 1947. Rael raised his own family, after helping to raise his younger brothers and sisters, and saw his many grandchildren grow up at the farm, where he will have his final resting place.

Rael married his wife Beverly (Sherman) on his 29th birthday, on Nov. 30, 1957, and they recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. Rael and Bev enjoyed traveling and went on many adventures together, including six trips to Hawaii, a cross-country road trip, and cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean.

Rael was deeply connected to the community as a charter member of the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department, formed in May 1967. He served as a firefighter and as Assistant Chief, and until recently made frequent appearances at NHVFD events. He was also a longtime member of the Farm Bureau, where he held a director position for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly and their four children: their daughter, Marie (Sherman) Jewett, and their sons Edmond (Judy), Alan (Cindy) and Dennis. Rael is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Megan (Tim), Brian (Stephanie), Tyler, Seth, Rachel, Cassie, Katie, Tia, Mimi, and Ian; and one great-grandson, Grayson. He also leaves behind his sisters, Pauline Welch and Jeanne Ciemniewski, and brother Raymond; many nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, Fran Walsh.

He was predeceased by his brothers Fernand, Paul, and Rene; his sisters Peggy St. George, Lucille Smith and Jeannette Mayer; and his son-in-law Robbie Cook.

A special thank you to the staff of ACHHH who cared for Rael, especially nurse Anna, who helped his family fulfill his wish to remain at home.

The family will plan a celebration of Rael’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to either the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 120, New Haven, VT 05472, or Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Route 7 North, Middlebury, VT 05753.

To send online condolences to his family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com◊