Raymond McCombe, (age  98), passed away peacefully on July 5, 2018 at Wingate of East Longmeadow. Born May 5, 1920 in Ballinacraig, County Down, Northern Ireland, son of the late Richard and Nellie (Ellen McAllister) McCombe he was a lifelong resident and graduate of West Springfield High School.  Raymond served in WWII with the U.S. Marine Corp. as Aid & Guard to Admiral McCain on the new aircraft carrier 'Shangri-la' as part of the first landing force for the occupation of Japan.  Raymond worked as a fireman in the days of steam engines before becoming the youngest engineer for the Boston & Albany Railroad until his retirement in 1972.  A star athlete throughout high school, he continued to enjoyed semi-pro hockey, golf, skiing, hunting with his beloved beagles and was a charter member of both the Southampton and the Easthampton Beagle Clubs & a member of Mount Orthodox Lodge of Accepted Free Masons. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 49 yrs Jessie (Chelsa Pia Collina), brother William & Connie, John & Jennie, & sister Maude Christ & Art, & niece, Kathy Christ & nephew Bryant Chris.  He is survived by his only child, Phyllis Watson & Frank of Hampden, MA, his two granddaughters, Bonnie Watson and Heather Watson Webb & husband Gregory, two Great- grandsons Grady Lawerance & Garrett Delbert of Gaithersburg MD, niece Susan Crowley & husband Joe of Wilbraham MA, nephews William (Bill) McCombe & Cheryl of Feeding MA, Richard McCombe of CA.  Ray was most proud of his family sharing his love of skiing & golf.  His family was even prouder of the love and kindness he showed to others throughout his life. A teacher of life, living by the golden rule, he encouraged & influenced many of the children growing up in his neighborhood for over 50 yrs   A Military funeral with military honors will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018 at 2 pm at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam.  Donations may be made in Ray's memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children (specify Springfield), 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 .