Raymond F. Gelinas

Raymond F. Gelinas1924-2015Raymond F. Gelinas, 90, of Chicopee, passed away peacefully with his loving wife Shirley and his family by his side. Born in Springfield to the late Philip and Irene (Mageau) Gelina, he was raised in Chicopee and was a graduate of Chicopee High School. Raymond has lived in Chicopee for 40 years, and was a faithful communicant of St. Anne's Church. Raymond served our country in the U.S. Navy and was active during World War II, invasion of Normandy. His active duty was on Liberty Ships-Geo W. Woodward and tour of duty in England, Scotland and Wales. Raymond belonged to the Armed Guard of Chicopee. Raymond retired from Westover Air Force Base in 1986. Raymond leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Shirley (Gervais) Gelinas of Chicopee; loving children, Beverly and Donald Savaria of Granville, Dennis and Deborah Gelinas of Ludlow, and Gary and Colette Gelinas of West Springfield; nine cherished grandchildren; two cherished great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Raymond played the banjo most of his life. He was an avid gardener and loved flowers and fruit trees, and loved fishing and camping in Otis and hunting in Vermont. Raymond also loved spending time with his loving wife and friends with the Chicopee Senior Center Travel Club. Funeral services for Raymond will be held on Wednesday, January 7th beginning at 9:15 a.m. from the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway St., with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne Church, 30 College St., both in Chicopee, with Rites of Committal to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Rd., Springfield. Raymond's family will receive friends at the visitation on Tuesday, January 6th from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Raymond's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or woundedwarriorproject.org. For additional information, visit Tylunasfuneralhome.com. Tylunas Funeral Home(413)592-0148