Warren M. Rayla, 78, of 38 Alpha Road, a veteran of two wars, died Thursday, Feb. 6, at home.
He leaves his wife of 55 years, Dorothy (Johnson) Rayla; three sons, Mark W. Rayla of Dudley, Philip J. Rayla of Harvard and Robert S. Rayla of Holden; a daughter, Beth C. Rayla of Holden; 11 grandchildren; and a nephew. A sister, Alice Lermond, predeceased him. He was bornin Worcester, son of Matthew A. and Helen (Vickstrom) Rayla, and lived 49 years in Holden. He graduated from Commerce High School, Worcester and Worcester Boys Trade School. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a fighter pilot. He was recalled for the Korean War and served 28 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a commander.
As a master electrician and lighting specialist, Mr. Rayla established Warren M. Rayla & Sons, an electrical contracting business. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Worcester, for more than 50 years.
The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, in Epworth United Methodist Church, 64 Salisbury St., Worcester. Burial will be in All Faiths Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 64 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609; or to American Lung Association of Central Massachusetts, 1 Abbey Lane, Middleboro, MA 02346.