Raymond Sotek, age 92, passed peacefully Saturday, November 23, 2024.  He leaves his devoted wife of 57 years, Claire (Roy) Sotek; a son Jeffrey Sotek and his wife Christine, of Canaan, New York; a daughter Stephanie Sotek, of Andover; two granddaughters Alexandra and Jordan Sotek; two grandsons Michael and Matthew Ruggere; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Anelia (Jarzynski) Sotek, three brothers: Stanley, John, and Joseph Sotek and two sisters Phyllis Kosziak and Sophie Jeziorski.

A lifelong resident of Northbridge, Ray was born August 7, 1932.  He graduated from Northbridge High School in 1950 where he played on the baseball team.  After high school, he attended the former Worcester Junior College where he earned an associate degree in engineering.  In 1953, he was inducted into the United States Army and proudly served during the Korean Conflict.  Ray worked as a draftsman at the Watertown Arsenal, then 41 years at Nelmor, in Uxbridge, where he was the purchasing manager.  During this time, he also worked part time for Pat's Catering.  After he retired, he worked at Pleasant Valley Country Club for 20 years on the grounds crew. He was a member of the Polish American Veterans and the American Legion.

Ray spent many years when his children were young coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball.  Ray was an avid golfer and a 20-year member of the Whitinsville Golf Club.  He was often outside tending to his yard or vegetable garden or feeding the birds. He also loved his cats especially his current “Princess”.

Ray was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and loved Polka dancing with Claire.  Ray loved his family and was thought of as the glue of the family.  The day before Christmas was always spent delivering kielbasas to his friends and family before returning home, donning his apron, and hosting the Sotek annual Christmas Eve open house. 

Calling Hours from 5-7PM, are Thursday, December 5, at Carr Funeral Home.  A Funeral Mass, at 11AM, will be Friday, December 6, 2024, at Saint Patrick's Church, Cross St., Whitinsville.  Burial will follow in Saint Patrick's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Saint Patrick's Church, Saint Peter's Church, or to the American Heart Association.