Raymond E. "Junie" Wead, Jr.

HUBBARDSTON -Raymond “Junie” E. Wead, Jr., 90, passed away on January 27, 2019 at Health Alliance Leominster Hospital after an illness. He was born in Gardner, the son of Raymond E. and Naureen (Fisher) Wead and was a lifelong resident of Hubbardston.

His loving wife and best friend of 68 years, Clara M. (Wells) Wead, passed away on May 28, 2017. He leaves his three loving daughters, Marie Drake and her husband, Walter of Hubbardston, Marge LaPorte and her husband, Spence of Myrtle Beach, SC and Marlene Phelps and her husband, Robert of Marshfield; his seven precious grandchildren, Derek, Charissa, Kathy, Mike, Amie, Andrew and Katelyn; his nine adored great-grandchildren; his brother, Russell Wead of Hubbardston; his sister, Marjorie Clark of Hubbardston; two sisters-in-law, Flora Kennedy and Ruth Morain; two goddaughters, Linda Tremblay and Diane Kane; his good friend, Robert “Bennie” Meagher of Hubbardston; and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. He was a Private First Class with the 453rd Engineering Construction Battalion during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country, Ray and Clara return to the small, rural town of Hubbardston to start and raise their family. He was a pattern maker for many years at the former Warner & Swasey Company in Worcester before retiring.

He was active in town politics and was a former member of the board of selectmen, board of assessors and the Democratic committee, all in Hubbardston and he also was a member Mt. Zion Lodge of Masons in Barre. He enjoyed traveling, camping and his special trips to Dunkin Donuts and Market Basket. Raymond is best known as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved to spend time with his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Raymond’s family on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a service at 12 p.m. in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A private committal service for Raymond and Clara will be held on their anniversary, June 30, 2019 at Rural Glen Cemetery in Hubbardston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Development Office HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital at Burbank and Leominster Campuses, ATTN Angie’s Spa, 60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453.