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HOLYOKE
Raymond L. "Pa" Riel, age 88, passed away on June 29th, 2022, with his loving wife, Mary (Keane) Riel, by his side, on their 65th wedding anniversary.
Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on July 18th, 1933, to the late Leo and Rita (Lussier) Riel, Ray was a graduate of St. Jerome High School, class of 1951. He served 2 years in the United States Army, from 1953-1955, where he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state. After the military, Ray went on to study Graphic Arts at Holyoke Trade School. He spent most of his career as Vice President of Bassett Printers out of Springfield, MA. After his retirement, Ray spent a lot of his time on the golf course, bowling, playing Uno with his grandchildren and traveling to his favorite places such as Topsail Island, North Carolina and Ireland.
Ray was also an active member of Our Lady of the Cross Parish, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, as well as many other roles. Ray and Mary were very active in parish ministry, but nothing made Ray happier than being with his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Keane) Riel, his five children and their spouses; Terry and Dave McKenney, Debbie and Sean Hamel, Mike and Michelle Riel, Doug and Lisa Riel, and Patti and Gene Leary. As well as his 12 grandchildren; Sarah, Nora, Brian, Matt, Mike, Katie, Megan, Kellie, T.J., Shay, Anna, and Becca. Along with 8 great-grandchildren; Caleb, Raelyn, Cooper, Caleigh, Weston, Myla, Brea, and baby Connor who is currently on his way. He is also survived by his brother, Roland Riel and his wife Betty, sister Sandy and her husband Lou Lynn, as well as his large extended family.
The family would like to send its sincere love and gratitude to the staff of Willimansett East Nursing Home in Chicopee for the exceptional care they provided Ray.
Funeral will be held Thursday, July 7th at 9:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of The Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue. Burial will follow in Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, July 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Autism Connection, 11 Village Hill Road, Northampton, MA 01060 or https://autismconnectionsma.org/en that was very near and dear to Ray and his family.
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