Raymond E. Lawrence

Raymond E. “Ray” Lawrence, 77, of Upton, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge.

Born in Framingham, he was a son of the late Raymond F. and Jeanette (Letorneau) Lawrence. He was raised and educated in Framingham and graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood. He went on to earn an associate degree from Bentley University.

In 1969, Ray proudly volunteered to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart and he attained the rank of Lance Corporal before receiving his honorable discharge in 1970.

Following his military service and college graduation, Ray joined his father’s trucking company. The company was later acquired by Browning-Ferris Industries, where Ray continued his career, initially serving as an Operations Manager before becoming a District Manager. He later joined Waste Management, where he completed his career as a Regional Operations Manager before retiring.

Ray enjoyed fishing, staying busy and working, and had a lifelong love of new cars. He took great pride in keeping his cars spotless and famously washed his car every morning, even throughout the winter. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Ray is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Paulette (Capistran) Lawrence of Upton; his children, Jennifer Cascella and her husband, Steven, of Uxbridge, and Raymond F. Lawrence and his wife, Maria Eleanor, of Upton; his two adored grandchildren, Joseph Cascella and Layla Lawrence; his brother, James “Jim” Lawrence of Newport, RI; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 4, at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 151 Mendon Street, Upton. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Upton.

All are invited to join his family for a luncheon following his funeral at Willow Brook Restaurant, 16 Hastings Street, Mendon.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by clicking Donate below.