Raymond LaFogg, 79

BECKET, Mass. — Raymond A. LaFogg, 79, of County Road in Becket, died Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, at Craneville Place Rehabilitation Center in Dalton.

He was born March 6, 1937, in Westfield, Mass., the son of Ralph and Ada Chamberlin LaFogg. Raymond was raised and educated in Westfield.

Mr. LaFogg worked in construction most of his life and owned and operated Ray LaFogg Trucking and Excavating Company from 1968 until his retirement in 1997.

Ray enjoyed nature and was an avid animal lover who had an uncanny ability to bond with many feral cats and provided them with food and shelter. Mr. LaFogg may also be remembered as a kind and generous soul who, for years, "adopted" many youths into his own home to be part of his family, where they enjoyed home-cooking, the outdoors and some fatherly guidance.

Mr. LaFogg leaves behind his wife, the former Rhodora F. Dean, whom he married August 22, 1959; two daughters, Rhodora Higgins and her husband Thomas of Becket and Janet LaFogg Newberry of Washington, Mass.; and three grandchildren, Kenneth Newberry and his significant other Zak of Pittsfield, Jessica Mullaly and her husband Cody of East Nassau, N.Y., who are expecting a baby Sept. 12, making for the first great-grandchild, and Joan Tegan of Becket. In addition, Ray also leaves behind his four-legged companions: his cat Suzie and his dog Cocoa.

Mr. LaFogg was predeceased by his four brothers, Ralph, Ernest, Donald and Richard; and his sister, Ethel Akzamet.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Raymond A. LaFogg will be held Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. Burial will follow in North Becket Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make donations in Raymond’s name to the Berkshire County ARC in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.