Aylward-obit_webMELROSE — Raymond J. Aylward Sr., of Melrose, passed away peacefully at the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford.

Raymond was the loving husband of Bernadine Aylward of Melrose. He was the father of Raymond Aylward Jr. and his wife Maryellen of Georgia, Lynda Gutro of Melrose and Sean Aylward of Melrose. Raymond is also survived by his two grandchildren Ryan Gutro and Brittany Aylward.

Raymond was born and raised in Cambridge. He attended St. Mary Grammar School and attended high school before enlisting in the Army. Raymond enlisted in the United States Army in 1950. He served honorably for three years during the Korean War.

After he was discharged from the Army he returned home and moved to Melrose where he and his wife Bernadine spent the last 50 years and raised their three children.

Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. A funeral service was held at the funeral home with military honors immediately following the visitation at 11 a.m.

Following the funeral service a funeral procession continued to Cambridge Catholic Cemetery for a Committal Service.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Unit at the VA Hospital in Bedford.

To leave online condolence and for additional information please visit www.gatelyfh.com.