Raymond F. Lucia, Jr.

AGAWAM - Raymond Frank Lucia Jr., 77, was welcomed into God’s arms on Friday, July 15, 2016 surrounded by the care and comfort of his family. Ray was born to Grace and Raymond Lucia Sr. on March 3, 1939 in Agawam. He graduated from Agawam High in 1959 and spent his entire life in Agawam. In 1957, Ray enlisted in the Air National Guard during the Berlin Crisis. In 1958, he was Honorably Discharged when his father became ill and he returned home to help out with the company his father had started, Lucia Lumber Company. In 1961, he married his one true love, Joanne Keiski and they soon welcomed their children Steven and Tammy into their lives. His children revered and respected him and will remember him as a loving and kind father who encouraged them to strive for excellence. Ray was an accomplished multiengine pilot and loved to fly. But his greatest passion was trucks. From buying and selling, to learning how to repair and maintain them, Ray devoted a great deal of his time to them. In his later years, he began building trucks with his own hands. Lucia Lumber is well known for its beautiful and well maintained trucks. Ray was a hardworking man but had a great sense of humor. He would stop whatever he was doing to listen to or tell a funny story. He was always there to help out anyone in need. He went above and beyond to lend a hand however he could, especially for his employees. He was a leader and a mentor and many of his much loved employees will attest that he changed the course of their lives with his generosity and support. Ray leaves his loving wife of 54 years Joanne, his son Steven and his wife Susan, his daughter Tammy and her partner Michael Guy, all of Agawam, and his sister Patricia Mercandante of Feeding Hills. He also leaves his treasured grandchildren Steven Jr., Christopher and April. He will be fondly remembered by many friends and business associates both locally and across the country. The arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be mailed to Lucia Lumber Company at PO Box 777 Agawam, MA 01001 or emailed to [email protected] New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. www.nefcc.netWe invite you to send a message of condolence to the Lucia family at www.nefcc.net