WEST SPRINGFIELD - Raymond Norman “RayJ” Judycki, 86, of West Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, January 17,2023 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Raymond was born April 28, 1936 in Athol, MA, to Mary Judycki and Howard Page, and he later became “Big Bro” to Patrick Judycki. Raymond was educated in Athol and Springfield public schools and received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from STCC. Through the years, Raymond was employed as a “pin setter” in a bowling alley, a cloth inspector in a mill, a tire store technician and manager, an assembler/inspector/trainer in the aircraft industry from the mid to late 1950s until 1970, and lastly a police officer for the City of Springfield until retirement in 1998. Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after his 17th birthday. He was stationed in Korea from September 1953 to February 1955 and was assigned to Company D, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th US Infantry Division. He worked first as an 81mm Mortarman and then as an Armorer Artificer. While sailing from Osan to San Francisco in 1955, he met fellow soldier George Vaselacopoulos of Chicopee Falls, who later introduced Raymond to his cousin Antoinette. Raymond and Antoinette would marry in 1957 and have two sons. While the Armistice Agreement to end hostilities was signed about 45 days before Raymond arrived in Korea, he did find himself in an active war zone for a year in 1966-67. He went to Vietnam as a field service representative for Hamilton Standard, working under contract with the U.S. Army. He supported the Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinooks of the 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, and also the Sikorsky CH-54 Sky Cranes of the 1st Air Cavalry in An Khe, both located in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. Camp Holloway received mortar attacks during his tour. His off-base apartment was in close proximity to deadly street fighting between rival political factions and in October 1967 a CH-47 Chinook in which Raymond was a passenger was shot down by enemy ground fire. The pilot was wounded and the aircraft was severely damaged but the skilled co-pilot made an emergency landing by himself, saving all aboard. Raymond and Antoinette had a wonderful storybook life together for almost 64 years. They raised two sons, made their house a real home, traveled extensively and were generous with their time and resources. They enjoyed the company of special friends and relatives. They “showed up” when someone was in need. They always encouraged and nurtured each other. Through thick and thin, they had each other’s backs. Most people who knew Raymond described him as a really nice guy. He was tough, strong, courageous, sensitive, gentle and loving which were a rare combination of qualities. He was loved by his family and close friends and he will be missed. Raymond leaves his sons, Stephen (Teresa) of Wilbraham and Gary of Westfield; grandchildren, Cristina Judycki of Ludlow, Elizabeth Mussio (Le’Bran) of Enfield, CT, Chloe Judycki of Cookeville, TN and Zachary Judycki of Westfield; sisters, Ann Franklin of North Swanzey, NH and Anne Fields of Sutton, MA; cousin, Joe Judsky (Jackie) of Atlanta, GA; his special friend, Theresa Vaselacopoulos; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Raymond was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Antoinette in 2021 and by his brother, Patrick in 2022. Raymond will Lie in Repose on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. which will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. His Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com