Raymond Kalita

Raymond Kalita, 85, passed away on April 22, 2020. Formerly of Ludlow, MA, he was a graduate of the Ludlow Public School system and Northampton Commercial College. After three years of service in the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers, he attended the University of Massachusetts where he received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Civil/Structural Engineering. He joined the firm of Harvey and Tracy, Consulting Structural Engineers in 1963, and served as Vice-President and manager of their West Springfield office until his retirement in 1999. He held Professional Structural Engineering Registrations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the states of Connecticut, Maine and New York, and served as structural consultant to several local Architects, as well as other Architects in the New England and New York areas. Raymond was a member of Hampden Lodge AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Melha Shrine Center, Royal Order of Jesters and a Charter Member of the “Q”. As a member of Melha, he was a Past Chief of the Clown Unit and an Emeritus member of the Board of Governors of the Shrine Hospital for Children, Springfield Unit. He was predeceased by Athena (Zondiros) Kalita, his wife of 44 wonderful years, and his brothers Samuel R. Jr., and Alexander, both of Ludlow. His sisters Eleana Kalita of New York City and Florida, Ann Clark of Granby, MA, Rose White of Canton, CT, Lilyan Sexton of Ludlow, MA, Fannie Koral of Ludlow, MA, and Alice Hovey-Gough of Lewiston, NY. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Raymond was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Springfield. All services and burial will be private. Donations that are made to the Springfield Unit of the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 will be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118. For additional information please www.byronkeenan.com