Raymond H. Burgess

"South Hadley, Raymond Hall Burgess, 63, of Mountainview St., died peacefully surrounded by many who loved him. Born in Waltham, January 9, 1948, he was the son of Harry and Priscilla (Hall) Burgess, and has lived in S. Hadley for 36 years. "Big Ray", as he was familiarly known, founded Astro Electronics/ Video which began in Aldenville 42 years ago, branching into numerous locations including Holyoke where the home office is currently located. Among the many ways Ray will be remembered is for his generous and positive spirit, his love of all things Elvis, and his all encompassing love and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 36 years, Sandra (Paquette) Burgess, along with his children, R.J. of W. Springfield, Greg Belisle and his wife Rosemarie of W. Springfield, Gretchen Collins and her husband Shane of Westfield, and Jeffrey Belisle and his wife Julianne of Norwell. He also leaves 4 precious grandchildren, Cody and Katilyn Collins, and Benjamin and Isabel Belisle along with his siblings, Richard Burgess and his wife Susan, Nancy Woods, Patricia Lick, and her husband Vic, and David Burgess and his wife Anne, along with several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his mother in law Sylvia Paquette of Chicopee. A service to celebrate the life Ray lived will be Saturday, Feb. 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story S. Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St., (Rte 116). Friends may pay respects to the family on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. The family requests that donations be made in Ray's memory to Sol Amor Hospice, 415 Boston Turnpike Ste. 3, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. For online guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com. "