Raymond P. Metzger

Raymond Metzger, 91, died peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at home. He was the son of Raymond B. and Dorothy (Marakle) Metzger. Raymond, known as �Babe� to his family and older friends, was born in Rochester, NY on October 26, 1925 but lived most of his life in the Springfield/Wilbraham area. He attended Holy Name Grammar School and graduated from Technical High School in 1943. He received a Bachelor�s degree from U Mass in 1950 and a Master�s Degree from WNEC. He was a Navy veteran and served in WWII and the Korean conflict on destroyers and destroyer escorts. After his second discharge from the Navy in 1952, he worked for the Springfield Ordnance District for a short time before joining General Electric�s manufacturing training program. Ray finished his industrial career at American Optical in Southbridge, MA, retiring in 1990. An avid sportsperson, Raymond loved the outdoors and spent many days camping with his family. He and his family were active members of the Springfield Ski Club where both he and his wife, Stella, served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed golf and was a member at Hampden, Elmcrest, and Wilbraham Country Clubs at various times. He played football in high school and college, was a member of the Springfield Paddle Club and was a communicant at St. Cecilia�s church in Wilbraham. He was also a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #10195, where he served as Treasurer for fifteen years. Ray is survived by his wife Stella of 63 years, his three sons and daughter, Michael and his wife Sharon, Mary Ellen Dillon and her husband John, John and his wife Betsy, and James. He also leaves nine loving grandchildren, Zoelle, Benjamin, Joshua, Kevin, Liam, Katie, Holly, Heidi and Kelly as well as extra special neighbor Mike Cross and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother George and his sister Helen. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd from 4 � 7 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Funeral will be Wednesday at 10 am from the Wilbraham Funeral Home to a Funeral Mass at 11 am at St. Cecilia�s Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 1 pm at MA Veterans� Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wilbraham Public Library, Crane Park Dr, Wilbraham, MA 01095 or to a charity of one�s choice.