Raymond R. "Ray" Marsh, Sr.

RAYMOND R. MARSH, SR. 1933 ~ 2006 CHICOPEE- Raymond "Ray" Marsh, Sr., 73, was called safely home on Friday Sept. 29, 2006 at Heritage Hall in Agawam. Ray was born in Springfield May 11, 1933, a son of the late Edward Sr. and Laura (Renaudette) Marsh. He was educated in local schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served with the infantry as a private first class and received the Army Occupation Medal/Germany among several other medals and citations before being discharged in 1955. Ray was a mechanic for the City of Springfield, retiring in 1988 after 33 years of service to the city. Ray began his career as a tree surgeon and worked for several years at the Forest Park Zoo. Ray was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, creating and building his own bikes for many years. Ray's mechanical abilities were evident to all, and he even made repairs at the nursing home while he was a resident. He was a member of the Chicopee Tigers A.C. and Ray enjoyed watching western movies, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Clint Eastwood films and WWII movies. Ray enjoyed the family dogs, and made a special place in his heart for them.  He is survived by his former wife of 35 years, Stella M. (Danek) Marsh of Springfield with whom he continued a loving friendship for over 50 years. Raymond's love and devotion to his family was immeasurable and he will be dearly missed by his sons, Anthony R. Marsh and his wife Gail of Chicopee, Raymond R. Marsh Jr., of Springfield, his daughter, Sharon A. Fuller and her husband Shane of Springfield; his sister, Barbara M. LaValley of Indian Orchard; two brothers, Robert F. Marsh of Feeding Hills and Donald L. Marsh of Granby, MA. He will be remembered by his two adored grandchildren, Sarah Lynn Marsh and Stephan Anthony Marsh and his great grandson, Dylan Anthony Griswold. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at Heritage Hall who helped Raymond feel more at home. Raymond was predeceased by a brother, Edward F. Marsh, Jr. in 1990. A funeral ceremony will be held on Tuesday Oct. 3rd at 10 a.m. in Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway, Chicopee, MA 01020 followed by the burial with military honor at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Raymond's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.