John "Ray" Roman Marges

JOHN ROMAN “RAY” MARGES, 88, of Tilton, died peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the New Hampshire Veterans' Home.

“Ray” was born on January 15, 1938, in Groveton, NH, the son of the late John Petra and Madeliene Hazel (Fisher) Marges.

Ray moved to Guildhall, VT when he was a child. Later in life, he moved to Connecticut and returned to New Hampshire. He has been a resident of Tilton for the past 38 years. Over the years, Ray owned and operated Ray's Seafood restaurant in Lubec, Maine, where he had the honor of serving presidents and dignitaries who stayed at Campobello, New Brunswick, Canada. Ray also owned a general store and later opened Ray's Machine Shop in Tilton. He was also a mechanic, welder, and practiced carpentry. Ray built a working cannon for the Town of Lubec when he resided there, which stands in the Center of Town in Lubec, ME.

Ray served his country in the US Army. He was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea, where he worked in the motor pool and served as a motor sergeant. His time in the Army not only shaped his career but also instilled in him a sense of discipline and service he carried with him throughout his life.

Ray is survived by two sons, James Marges of New Limerick, ME, and Donald Marges of Bangor, ME, two sisters, Maria Callahan of Keene, NH, and Sonya Cowart of Texas, the love of his life for the past 17 years, Constance Chase of Bath, NH, and nieces and nephews.

Ray was predeceased by his father, John P. Marges; his mother, Madeliene Gregoire; his stepfather, Ernest Gregoire, three siblings, Bill, Ethel, and Annie.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home, 100 State St., Groveton, NH. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Northumberland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the NH Veterans Home, 139 Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276.

For directions to the services or to send the family your condolences via the online guest book, please visit www.armstrongcharronfuneralhome.com