Raymond L. Smola, Jr.

Holden / Sterling – Raymond L. Smola, Jr., 68, of Sterling and formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a long battle with COPD, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus in Worcester. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Agnes P. (Desroches) and Raymond L. Smola, Sr., and was raised in Holden.

Raymond attended Wachusett Regional High School and went on to cultivate a lifelong passion for the outdoors. For many years he devoted himself to landscaping, a vocation that allowed him to work with the nature he loved. Raymond also had a gift for connecting with people, a strong work ethic, and a passion for detailing cars. These qualities served him well during his time as a limousine driver for the former Gray’s Limousine Company of Boylston. Raymond found joy riding his motorcycle, tending to a project in the yard, listening to music, or relaxing at the beach. He took pride in creating beautiful outdoor spaces and cherished the joy of driving and meeting new people. Ray had a gift for turning strangers into friends, and his stories, always colorful and full of humor, will be remembered by all who knew him.

He leaves behind his cherished daughters, Jennifer Smola and her partner, Paul Wurm of Sterling, and Jessica Stuart and her husband, Riyan of Texas; his brother, Theodore Smola and his wife, Diane, of Worcester; his sister, Susan Wheeler and her husband, William, of Rutland, his sister Cynthia Stamm, of Alabama, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves his beloved cat, Spaz, who was his constant companion.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a memorial tree.