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Raymond Equi Obituary
He was 77 years old, the son of Alfred and Julia Equi of South Deerfield. Ray's most memorable journey away from South Deerfield was to Fornagi di Barga, Italy, where his parents spent their youth and Ray visited the ancient church where they were married.
He was a lifelong resident of South Deerfield and loved living there. He attended Deerfield High School and graduated from Frontier Regional in 1958. He played baseball, football and (his favorite) basketball on Deerfield and Frontier teams. He always favored High School athletics, both boys' and girls' teams, following Frontier sports the rest of his life along with other area high school athletic programs. He played area city league basketball after serving in the Air Force and also men's Slo-pitch softball sponsored by Al's Restaurant in So. Deerfield. When he retired from softball, he umpired in the mens' league and also for Little League teams in the area.
Ray leaves his former wife Marie (Hatch) of Easthampton, MA. and their sons, James of Attleboro, MA and Steven and his wife Stacia Reinhardt of Charlottesville, VA. He also leaves his brothers John of East Longmeadow, and Dino of Springfield, VA and several nieces and nephews.
Ray was employed at the former Farm Bureau grain mill in East Deerfield and then at UMass as a custodian. Always a sports' buff, he played golf on area courses with friends for many years, weather permitting. When not golfing or at sporting events, he loved playing cards at the Polish American Citizens Club in South Deerfield, and visiting with friends there and discussing local, college and professional sports with everyone. He will be missed.
The family would like to thank the staff at Linda Manor in Northampton for their kindness and understanding. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Youth Activities Fund at the Polish American Citizens Club, 46 South Main Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373 or to a charity of your choice.
Ray's wishes were to be cremated. Calling hours at Wrisley Funeral Home will be Sunday, January 28th from 4-7 and a brief service on Monday, January 29th at 11:00.
Expressions of sympathy are available at: www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Equi
Charlene and Ed Galenski
January 18, 2023
Ray and Marie and their two, wonderful sons were the best neighbors any one could wish to have. How fortunate the Galenski family was to purchase Ray´s homestead during our early years of marriage. We loved Ray´s humor, his love for life, his unbelievable devotion to sports, and his true kindness. We love you and miss you!
January 29, 2018
Marie and sons,
So sorry for your loss. May the good Lord keep you safe and ease the pain of your loss. Remembering Ray with his great sense of humor and love for sports. May his good spirit rest in peace for eternity.
Many blessings,
Mary Powers
Bob & Sue Hatch
January 28, 2018
Dear Marie, Jim and Steven; We are sorry for your loss and will remember Ray always. Your Dad knew sports national and hometown and somehow didn't favor the Red Sox!
We'll miss him.
With heartfelt Sympathy and Love, Bob & Sue
January 28, 2018
We always enjoyed seeing and talking with Ray. He was a interesting man. We will miss him.
WHO YOU LOOKING AT! It won't be the same.
Sincerely ,
Joey and Kathy Tomaus
Carolyn Rozicki, Roberts
January 27, 2018
Equip family and Dino.
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 27, 2018
I had the honor of working with Ray at Umass He always talked about his boys. He was very proud of them. Thanks for the memories Ray! Linda Schaefer
John Demko & Julie Wegrzyn
January 27, 2018
A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure to see and spend time with Ray. His laughter, sense of humor and knowledge of sports and pretty much all things in general will certainly be missed.
Al Wills
January 26, 2018
We sure had a lot of good times on Thayer street and at the club. We sure will miss you but we will soon join you. Al & Jeanne Wills
Diane & Bob Cendrowski
January 25, 2018
Ray was a very friendly and likable guy with a great sense of humor. He loved to talk sports. He will be missed by many. Condolences to the family.
Alice Savage
January 24, 2018
My deepest sympathy, love, Alice Savage
January 24, 2018
Ray you will be missed,I always enjoyed our banter at Frontier Basketball games,which are not the without what I called"murders row"namely Ray,Herbie,Duke and Sonny.You can now resume your daily cribbage battles with Herbie.So long my friend.
Kerry Naumowicz
January 24, 2018
Ray was such a good friend! He made working at umass fun! I loved playing cards with him. He will be sadly missed.
January 24, 2018
Growing up we were next door neighbors and as kids enjoyed many great times together.
Our condolences to the Family.
Don and Fran Moro
Carol Moro
January 23, 2018
To Ray's family - so sorry for your loss. May fond memories help you through this difficult time.
Ed and Charlen Galenski
January 23, 2018
Dear Marie, Jim, Steve, and Stacia,
Please know our heartfelt sympathy is with all of you during this very difficult time. The Galenski family had the privilege of being neighbors with the Equis for over 30 years. We have so many fond memories of our times together on Thayer Street. We will miss Ray's wonderful sense of humor, opinion on sports, and friendly personality. We love him and know the strength of your family and friends will help you through this time of loss. God bless all of you.
Love,
Charlene, Ed, Lauren, Justin, Meagan, Ashlie, Tyler, Jon, and Jay
James/Linda Schaefer
January 23, 2018
Ray made many friends while working at Umass, he left a large foot print on our hearts,people still talk about the times we went out after work on Fridays
Maryann Sadoski
January 23, 2018
I remember Ray from years back when we all chummed together and had some great times. How time flies and now another friend of my generation has passed. God bless.
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