Raymond F Vias

Greenfield-----Raymond F. Vias Jr., 74, of Hope St. died peacefully Tuesday (5-8-18) at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after a sudden illness.

Born in Northampton, MA. May 21, 1943 the son of Raymond and Elaine (Perkins) Vias Sr.

Ray attended Turners Falls High School until he joined the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, and served in Korea, while attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Ray worked in the maintenance department at Esleeck Paper for 40 years retiring in 2006. After a brief “retirement” of 3 months he went on to work at the Greenfield YMCA in maintenance and as a parking lot attendant. He continued working until the week he became ill.

Ray was a communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church, the Montague Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He also loved to travel to Wells Maine with his companion and her family.

Ray leaves his children Angela J. Vias and Joseph D. Vias of Greenfield, a brother James Vias of Turners Falls and his sister Bernadette Smith of Easthampton. He also leaves his companion Irene Hyde, his “adopted son” Jon Engstrom and his beloved dog Gordie and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was predeceased by his wife Agnes in 1994.

Services will be Tuesday (5-15-18) at 9:15 AM from the Kostanski Funeral Home 220 Federal St. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of Peace Church 90 Seventh St., Turners Falls with Rev. Stanley Aksamit officiating. Burial will follow at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in Greenfield.

Calling hours will Monday (5-14-18) at the funeral home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Following the burial there will be reception in the Fr. Casey Hall at Our Lady of Peace Church. If you would like to bring a dish to share please contact Ray’s family at 774-4520.

Memorial contribution may be sent to Our Lady of Peace, 90 Seventh St., Turners Falls, MA 01376 or to MWDTSA.org (Military Working Dog Team Support Association).  Potted plants accepted for a memorial garden to be established in the back of his former home.

Sympathy messages available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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