Raymond E. Riiska, 98, of West Stahl Road in Ashley Falls passed away May 31, 2019, at Berkshire Medical Center. Born Feb. 5, 1921, in Pittsfield, he was the son of Edward and Ethel Spencer Riiska. He was educated in Winsted, Connecticut, schools. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy Seabees as a machinist’s mate. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
He married his wife, the former Catherine Lamphier, in Otis in 1942. After his discharge from the Navy, Raymond worked for many years at Charles Parker as a foundry molder in Meriden, Connecticut, where he and Catherine began their family. From 1956 to 1986, Raymond was employed at Safeway Products in Connecticut as an autoclave operator. After his retirement from Safeway Products, Mr. Riiska began working for the Housatonic Railroad (1988–2006), which was something he really enjoyed. Raymond had a passion for military and old trucks, which he loved to restore. He spent endless hours in his vegetable garden and maintaining his beautiful lawn.
Raymond is survived by three sons David of Wood River Junction, Rhode Island, Kim of Torrington, Connecticut, and Todd of New Marlborough; three daughters Karen Ball of Sheffield, Susan Spencer of Enfield, Connecticut, and Laurie Warner of Egremont; daughter-in-law Denise Riiska. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and his beloved cat Marlow. Raymond was predeceased by wife Catherine, son Mark and sister Audrey Cruikshank.
Services for the late Raymond Riiska will be held Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington with calling hours from 1 to 2 p.m. and a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. There will be a private burial at the Ashley Falls Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
