Raymond E. Illingsworth, Sr.

Raymond E. Illingsworth Sr. (Ray) fell asleep in death on May 18, 2021 at the Willamansett East with his loving family at his side. Ray was born in Springfield MA in 1945 to Raymond and Mary Illingsworth. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s witnesses in 1963. He was a beloved brother in the Acres congregation in Springfield.  Ray always enjoyed sharing his faith and the beautiful hope for the future found in god’s word the Bible with others.

In 1965 he found the love of his life Karen Eldridge who he was happily married to for over 55 years. They were inseparable joined at the heart. He was a wonderful family man, a warm and loving father to his children and a beloved pop to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ray was in auto body from the time he was 12 years old in his Dad’s shop. He went to Trade HS for auto body and worked in that field till 1980. He went on to work as an Auto appraiser for over 30 years. He loved all things car.

He had a ready smile for everyone, loved a good laugh and had a reputation for being honest and kind. He truly loved life staying positive despite health issues. He was generous often going out of his way to help others. He loved all his dogs from Tippy to McKenzie. He loved traveling up the coast of Maine where he made many wonderful memories with his family.

Ray leaves his wife Karen (Eldridge) Illingsworth, his daughter Melinda (Mindy) Brodecki, his son in law Henry Brodecki Jr, his grandchildren who he thought of as the icing on the cake, Marc (Jennifer) Brodecki, Andrew (Joliana) Brodecki, Alexander Brodecki and Benjamin Brodecki, his great grandchildren Ryan and Sophia Brodecki (his pretty princess), his sister Patricia Chilson and his two nieces Lisa Ashline and Debbie Marier and many friends. Ray was predeceased by his son Raymond Illingsworth Jr in 1988.

His family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Willamansett East for their kindness and care as well as thanks to Dr. Francis Murray and his staff and Dr. Joan Lisak who took good care of Ray for many years. We look forward to the day mentioned in John 5:28-29 where we will see Ray again.

A Memorial talk for Ray will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 11:00am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the world wide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses at www.donate.jw.org or to Sunshine Village CBD program at www.sunshine.us/donor. Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements. To express online condolences, visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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