Retired Army Veteran and loving family man

Leominster - Raymond passed away peacefully Monday morning at home after an illness while surrounded by family. Raymond was born June 8, 1927 in Webster; MA to the late Tessie and Walter Luft. He was the loving husband of Gloria C. (Heald) Luft whom he shared 62 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, Raymond is survived by his two sons Raymond W. Luft and Michael J. Luft both of Leominster. His granddaughter Amanda E. Luft, his great- granddaughter Charlotte Eva whom he nick-named "Hot Rod", nieces and nephews, and close family friends especially Haley Boucher. He is predeceased by his three siblings John, Herman, and Cecelia (Luft)Rivers all of Webster.

Raymond was a lifetime member of the Leominster Sportsman Club , an auto racing enthusiast and an avid fisherman. He proudly served his country for 21 years and retired as a Master Sargent of the United States Army. He is a Veteran of the Korean War and having served during the Vietnam War Era. He earned the Army of Occupation Medal Japan, Army of Occupation Medal Germany, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Expert Rifle, and Expert Carbine Medal. Once retired from the Army he worked for over 20 years in Framingham "on the line" and then was an assembly line inspector at General Motors. Most of all Raymond enjoyed spending time with his family.

Calling Hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday February 2, 2012 in the Wright-Roy Funeral Home 109 West St. in Leominster. Cremation will follow at Rural Crematory, Worcester. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Dudley, MA In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Raymond's memory to the Leominster Veterans Center 100 West Street Leominster, MA 01453. To light a candle, sign the guestbook or send a message of condolence please visit www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com