Richard E. Raina

Granby - Richard E. Raina, 72, of Granby, beloved husband of Colleen M. Belisle-Raina, passed away on March 5, 2019. A cherished father, son and friend, he brought laughter and joy to everyone he encountered. Richard was born in Springfield, MA on April 13, 1946, to Angelo and Madeline (Figoni) Raina. He was a graduate of West Springfield High School where he was a three-star athlete and American International College where he played hockey. He proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as a 1st Lieutenant. Richard was an avid reader who also enjoyed cooking, traveling, music, sports, restaurants, vacationing in Maine, being with his family and socializing with everyone. He was employed in the Springfield Public Schools where he taught English at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School. He loved being a teacher but especially loved coaching; particularly his son, from kindergarten to high school. In his retirement Richard took much pleasure in traveling the East Coast watching his daughter play college soccer. Afterwards, he spent several years helping her run her horse boarding facility. He also worked as a funeral assistant at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC and was a member of the Granby Lions Club. Besides his loving wife of nearly 40 years, he is survived by his son Stephen Raina; his daughter Kristen Raina-Olson and her husband Taylor; his parents Angelo and Madeline Raina; his brothers Robert Raina and his wife Claire, and Lenny Raina; and his sister Linda Brennan and her husband Robert. He also leaves many cousins, nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Visitation for Mr. Raina will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA. The funeral will be on Friday, March 22, 2019 beginning at 11 a.m. with a service at 12 noon at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sister Caritas Cancer Center, 271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Please visit www.nefcc.net

Richard E. Raina

April 13, 1946 - March 5, 2019