Raymond Gilday Jr.

ASHBURNHAM - Raymond James Gilday, Jr., 78, died on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ray was born in Albany, New York, the only child of the late Raymond James Gilday Sr and Florence (Stickles) (Gilday) LaVigne. Ray was born with a love for all things mechanics.  He graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in Valatia, NY.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U.S. Navy.

 

Ray attended Hudson Valley Community College and began his career in Information Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Seeking milder winters, Ray relocated his family to Richmond, Virginia during the Blizzard of 1978.  He would eventually complete his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond. Ray was in Information Technology management for 30 years developing software in the corporate and government sectors.  He was well regarded by all and known to inspire his teams through knowledge, laughter, and friendship.

He enjoyed classic cars, was a fan of the New York Giants Football and the Washington Nationals baseball teams.

He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Frances M. (Eaton) Gilday; one daughter, Amy (Gilday) Pesa of Plymouth, MA; one son, Jeffrey J. (Hilary) Gilday of Manassas, VA; best buddy, Eli (dog); a cousin, Joseph Stickles of Albany, NY; two brothers-in-law, Walter (Lorraine) Eaton of Schoharie, NY, Richard (Mary) Eaton of Warrensburg, NY; four sisters-in-law, Margaret (Ronald) Eaton of New Haven, VT, Patricia (Dave) Lewis of New Haven, VT, Marianne Eaton of Bristol, VT, Virginia (Doug) Paton of Charlotte, VT; one grandchild, Salvatore Pesa, the gravitational force for a relocation to MA shortly after he was born. He also had many devoted nieces and nephews, who he enjoyed immensely.

He was predeceased by his parents; stepfather, Lloyd LaVigne and; one sister-in-law, Kathryn Eaton.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. in St. Denis Church, 85 Main St., Ashburnham.  Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Raymond's memory be made to the American Red Cross or Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham, MA.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

 

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors