Raymond J. Smith

Raymond John Smith, 27, of Avon, MA, passed away on June 14, 2025, after a long and courageous journey following a traumatic brain injury. Born on December 22, 1997, in Boston, Ray was a spark in the world—vibrant, soulful, and unforgettable.

Ray lived for the thrill of the moment and believed deeply in the mantra, “Be here now,” a philosophy he embraced through the teachings of Ram Dass. He never wasted a second. Whether he was riding his motorcycle, exploring a flea market, cooking something creative, tinkering with anything mechanical, or jamming to music, Ray did everything with passion and presence.

Music was Ray’s heartbeat. He could pick up any instrument and play it like it was second nature. He didn’t just hear music, he felt it, lived it, and used it to connect with others. His empathy was boundless. He never judged anyone, no matter their past or circumstance. Ray valued people for exactly who they were, and he made everyone feel seen and accepted.

Ray was truly one of a kind—a free spirit, a creative soul, a fearless adventurer. He moved through life on his own terms, never following the crowd, always staying true to himself.

He leaves behind a family who adored him: his Nana and Grandpa, Nora and Michael Collins; his Noni, Anita Smith, and her partner, David McMahon; and his Papa, the late Al Karsay. He is the beloved son of Ann Collins Smith and her partner, Alfred Presutti, and of William Smith, and stepson of Heidi Smith. Ray was a loving big brother to his sister, Margaret Smith, and brother, Owen Smith. He is also survived by his aunts, Kathleen Trull, Tricia Collins, and the late Mary Collins; his uncle, Michael Collins, and his wife, Krista Collins; and his cousins, Erin and Earl Chartier, Patrick and Linda Kelleher, Elizabeth Trull, Sean and Francesca Collins, Daniel Collins, and Emma Collins.

He also leaves behind many dear friends and his longtime girlfriend, Nicole Durkee, who loved him dearly.

Funeral from the Hurley Funeral Home, 134 So. Main St. (Rt. 28), Randolph, on Thursday, June 26^th at 9:15am followed by a funeral service at St. Michael’s Church in Avon at 10am.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 25^th from 4-7pm.  Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Randolph.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Ray’s honor to the Brain Injury Association of America via biama.org/product/donate/, supporting research and care for others facing the challenges Ray so bravely endured.

Ray’s boss and close friend once said, “Ray’s memory will never fade as long as there is a song to be played.” In his honor, may we all remember to be present, love hard, and be here now.