Obituary of Raymond LaVigne

Raymond C. LaVigne, 83 of Tobyhanna, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 21 at his home. He was the loving husband of Joan Chapman LaVigne. Born in New York, N.Y., he was the son of the late Clemente and Elsa (Olsen) LaVigne. Raymond was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force. He served from 1953 to 1957 in Bavaria, Germany as a Jet Pilot Instructor, 1st LT specializing in T33S. Raymond was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Upsala College in New Jersey with a degree in Economics. While attending college, Raymond was a member of the tennis team winning what later would be considered the DIII Middle Atlantic Conference Singles Championship. He was a business man on many levels and worked as a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker who was one of the first land developers in the Poconos during the 60's; starting with Tranquility Falls in Greentown (the first development in the Pocono Mountain region with central water). Raymond owned Pocono Leisure Homes and was part owner of Centennial Homes, Inc.; these companies were often innovators within their industry. After retirement, Raymond continued working part-time in the real estate industry and enjoyed playing golf especially at Pocono Farms Country Club. In addition to his wife, Joan, he is survived by his sons: Raymond A. LaVigne of Kunkletown, Marcel LaVigne of Marshalls Creek, James Hutchins and his wife, Lisa of Blakeslee, and Robert Hutchins and his wife, Colleen of Louisiana; sister, Godiva Gordon of Colorado Springs; grandsons: Jason LaVigne of Montana and Dustin LaVigne of Philadelphia; great-grandson, Luke MacDonald and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his grandson, Jared MacDonald. There will be a celebration of Raymond's life from 2 to 4:30 pm with words of remembrance at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 29 at Pocono Farms Country Club, Tobyhanna. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pocono Mountain Public Library, 5570 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA 18466