Raymond W. Dennison, 77, of Worcester, passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Ray is survived by his loving wife fifty-five years, Deborha W. (Williams) Dennison; five children, Raymond E. Dennison and his wife Tracy, Michele R. Vazquez and her husband Felix, Christi Berry, and Michael Korsac, all of Worcester, and Tracey Miller of Shrewsbury; a half-sister, Rebecca Murphy in Maryland; sister-in-law, Annette Williams of Worcester; ten grandchildren, Juliahnys Vazquez, Ghionni Dennison, Jorhi Campbell, Sr. and his longtime girlfriend Breanna Neagle , Ghalio Vazquez, Jhedan Dennison and his wife Jonell (Holbrook), Tevontae Mendes-Dennison, Ahmylle Mendes-Dennison, Ahmarhiyana Dennison, Domonic Kimball, and Thomas Rassias, Jr.; six great grandchildren; several cousins, many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a grandson, Travis Monroe and by a brother, Robert Dennison; a sister, Margaret Toney; his mother-in-law, Wiland Williams and brother-in-law, Mark R. Williams.  Ray was born in Worcester, so of the late, Robert Dennison and Phyllis (McIntire) Crump.

Ray graduated from Doherty High School in Worcester and later entered the United States Army, where he served in the infantry.  He earned a Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star, and a Sharpshooter Medal.  He was active with the Worcester Vet Center and the Vernon Hill Post American Legion.

Ray was the long-time Head Foreman at Hope Cemetery in Worcester, retiring in 2013.  He loved to tinker with cars, motorcycles, and old tractors.  He enjoyed working outside, camping with friends and family, and playing football with “The Brotherhood”, and bowling regularly at Auburn Lanes.  His truck nicknamed “Big Red” was one of his prized possessions.  He was a regular at Jean’s Café, where he gathered with friends and caught up on the latest stories and reminisced about days gone by.

Ray and Deborha opened their home and their natural family to hundreds of children that they fostered over the years, many of whom remain close.

Calling Hours will be on Thursday morning, April 13, from 9 a.m. until his Funeral Service begins at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Worcester Vet Center, 255 Park Ave, suite 900, Worcester, MA 01609.