Father Donald J. Ravey of South Burlington died at his residence on Monday, June 27, 2022. He was the son of Donald Ravey, Sr. and Margaret Curtis Ravey being born on May 31, 1935 in Burlington.
He attended Burlington Catholic Schools and graduated from Cathedral High School and Saint Michael’s College. He received his training for the priesthood at St. Paul’s Seminary in Ottawa, Canada. He was ordained to the Holy Brotherhood on May 27, 1961 by Bishop Robert F Joyce at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington.
Father’s priestly ministry in the Diocese of Burlington included St. Mary Parish in St. Albans, Chaplaincy Program at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Washington, D.C., Chaplain at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, Parochial Vicar at Holy Family Parish in Essex Junction, Pastor of Our Lady of the Snow in Waitsfield, St. Patrick in Morrisville, St. Teresa in Hyde Park, St. Gabriel in Eden, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Williston, and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Richmond. He also served on various Diocesan Commisions.
Father retired from active ministry in 2009 but continued assisting his brother Priests by celebrating Mass in various parishes until declining health prevented him from continuing.
Father Ravey is survived by his friend of 54 years and caregiver, Roger Ross with whom he made his home in South Burlington. His brother Patrick Ravey and his wife Gayle of North Carolina and their children, his sister Kathy Ravey and daughter of Essex Junction, and a cousin Sister Ruth Ravey of the Sisters of Mercy. Close families along the Ducharme, Barron, and Estey families along with the Harpers.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at LaVigne Funeral Home from 3-7. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 2, at Christ the King Church at 10:00 A.M. in Burlington with Bishop Christopher Coyne as Celebrant. Burial will take place at Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington following the Mass.