In Memoriam: Rev. Wilfred J. “Willy” Raymond, C.S.C. ’67

Rev. Wilfred J. “Willy” Raymond, C.S.C. ’67, a beloved priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, died on Monday, February 16, 2026.  

Fr. Raymond was born in Old Town, Maine. He was the eighth of 12 children. His enduring connection to Stonehill College began in the 1960s when he transferred to the institution during his junior year. He earned a B.A. in philosophy from Stonehill in 1967 and went on to receive a master’s in theology from the University of Notre Dame, a fellow Holy Cross school, in 1971. 

After his ordination to the priesthood, he returned to Stonehill as a staff member. In addition to serving Stonehill’s spiritual community through Campus Ministry, he also held leadership roles including Director of the Candidate Program, Director of the Holy Cross Center, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life.  

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Fr. Willy but take great comfort in the lasting contributions he made to the Stonehill and Holy Cross communities. As a priest, confrere, scholar and teacher, he always led with kindness and generosity. May the work he accomplished continue inspiring us as we strive to embody the compassion that was a hallmark of his life and ministry,” said Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president of Stonehill College. 

Fr. Raymond’s work extended beyond Stonehill. He advanced the Holy Cross mission as Provincial of the Eastern Province, National Director of Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton. During his time in California, he also served as chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

After retiring from Holy Cross Family Ministries in 2022, Fr. Raymond edited a book entitled The Family That Prays Together Stays Together: Discover the Promise and Power of the Rosary with Fr. Patrick Peyton. The work offers readers a practical and simple way to integrate the Rosary into their lives, with Fr. Peyton, the famed “Rosary Priest,” as their guide.

In a 2024 conversation published on the Stonehill Stories podcast, Fr. Raymond shared a reflection on the human spirit:  

“When everything, all of the physical world is far gone, eternity is long. So just be aware of the great dignity that you’re called to. You’re a son of God, daughter of God…that’s the great awareness that this life is just a moment. It’s just the beginning of a great adventure that goes on for all eternity beyond this life.” 

In remembrance of Fr. Raymond and his impact, all are welcome to attend the following services: 

• Visitation: Monday, February 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Mary, with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m.  
• Funeral Mass: Tuesday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Parish (225 Purchase St, South Easton, Massachusetts), followed by burial in the Holy Cross Community cemetery at Stonehill College.