Raymond J. Lauring, 97, Worcester Catholic radio station founder

Raymond J. Lauring, 97, passed away at home on Friday, Sept. 1.

He is survived by his children Mark Lauring and his wife Susan, John Lauring and his wife Kathy, James Lauring and his wife Ann, and Maryanne Seibold and her husband David, a son-in-law Timothy Kennedy, 23 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joyce St. John, and several brothers and sisters in law.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Claire E. (Ledoux) Lauring, his parents, Anthony and Linda Lauring, and his daughter Lisa Kennedy.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology.  

Mr. Lauring started Lauring Construction Company in 1948 and worked there until retirement. After retirement, he started the first Catholic radio station in Worcester, Emmanuel Communications, which is now operated by Stations of the Cross.  He also founded Worcester’s senior softball league, which has grown to be very successful with multiple teams of all ages. He was a five-time senior softball world champion and was named the World Series MVP in 2008.

Mr. Lauring was involved with philanthropic efforts for many Catholic charitable organizations. He was a life-long member of Christ the King Parish, a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, and a founder of Visitation House.  He volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul, Calvary Retreat Center and Worcester State Hospital. He served on the Board of Directors for Commerce Group, Inc., Southgate of Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Nursing Home, Colony Retirement Homes and Salisbury Nursing Home.

Ray received honorary degrees from Assumption University and Anna Maria College, and was an honorary graduate of St. John’s High School.  He received the Knollwood Award from Notre Dame Academy and the Family Award from Matthew 25.

The Lauring family would like to thank Ray’s caretakers Joyce, Margaret and Mary, for the compassionate care they provided him.

Calling hours are Thursday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. The funeral will be Friday, Sept. 8, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church.  Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visitation House, 119 Endicott St., Worcester, MA 01610.