Raymond John Fijol

Raymond John Fijol, 76, of Burlington, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022. He was born on January 29, 1946 in Bristol, son of the late Stanley and Anna (Smyrski) Fijol. Raymond is the loving husband of Deborah (Roberts) Fijol of 52 years. Ray passed away at his home, and spent his last days surrounded by family and friends.

Ray grew up in Bristol and attended Bristol Central High School. After high school Ray served in the U.S. Army’s First Infantry Division during the Vietnam War where he was injured and earned a Purple Heart for his service. After spending over a year in Walter Reed military hospital in Washington, DC recovering from his injuries, Ray returned to Bristol, where he met and married Debbie and started their family.

Ray was a longtime resident of Burlington, active in the community including coaching his children’s sports, and serving on the Burlington Parks & Recreation Commission. After living for many years in Stuart, FL, Ray and Debbie returned to Burlington where they have lived for the last several years.

Ray was a good, kind man and a loving, caring father, husband and friend. Ray was quiet but always quick with a smile or joke. Ray overcame his injuries and continuing health issues and never let them stand in his way. He enjoyed boating and the beach at his cottage in New Hampshire and in Florida, coaching his boys and their friends in youth sports, and above all spending time with his family.
Besides his wife Deborah, Raymond is survived by his sons David Fijol and his wife Agnieszka of Wilmette, IL, Kevin Fijol and his wife Melissa of Thompson, CT and grandchildren Nathan, Brendan, Brielynn and Brieson Fijol.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol starting at 8:30 AM until a procession that will leave for St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West St., Bristol for a 10AM Memorial Mass. Burial and military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, the Fijol family asks for donations to be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or by phone at 855-448-3997.

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