RUSSELL – Raymond Francis Genovese, 74, (1949-2024) died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 15th at Baystate Medical Center.
Ray is predeceased by his parents, Georgianna Pratt Genovese and Samuel Anthony Genovese. Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jodie Mullison Genovese; his daughter, Nicole Sampson of Westfield and her husband John; his son, Marc Genovese of Russell; his sister, Lynda Genovese Shea of Westfield and her husband Michael; his grandsons Nick and Tyler Sampson of Westfield; his two nieces Samantha Cennamo Gulsvig of Westfield and Sabrina Cennamo Kanner of Blandford; several great nieces and his beloved cat Billy.
Ray was born in Westfield on August 22nd, 1949. He graduated from Westfield High School and proudly served in the Navy from 1969 to 1973.
Ray married Jodie in December of 1969, and they remained lifelong companions and were blessed with two children where they resided in Russell, MA.
Ray worked for Stanley Home Products and started his own tank business called R&J Tanks. In his own time, he produced and hosted his own radio show “The Four Seasons” on WMAS sharing his love for the outdoors.
Ray was an avid fisherman, photographer, gardener, and loved nature. He shared his passion for the outdoors with his grandkids, teaching them his ways of fishing. Ray often spent his days finding new places to capture nature with his creative eye and a camera in his hand.
He loved being a big brother to his sister, Lynda Genovese. Their bond consisted of laughing, sharing memories, and supporting each other through thick and thin. He made lifelong friends throughout his life, like his dear friend Winter, who Ray would often refer to the brother he never had. He left a mark on everyone he met and a story or two to be told. Ray will be remembered for his fiery personality, sense of humor, wit and kind heart.
The Family invites all who loved Ray to celebrate his life with them at a Celebration of Life Party, April 21st, 1 p.m. at The Italian Fraternal Club, Katherine Street, Westfield.
Ray loved fishing; the family asks in lieu of flowers that gifts be sent in Rays memory to CAST for Kids Foundation at castforkids.org
