JEFFERSON, NC - Raymond Joseph Cholewa, 53, died Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Prior to moving to NC, Ray and his family lived in Northfield for 25 years.

Ray was born February 2, 1956 in Norwich, CT to Richard and Amelia Pizzo Cholewa.

He was a self-employed Petroleum Technician and for many years owned and operated Ray's Meter Service in Vermont, New Hampshire and North Carolina.

A devout Christian, he lived and practiced his faith. He was a cherished husband, father and grandfather to his family. Ray is survived by his wife, Jackie Cholewa of thirty-two years; five children: Troy Cholewa and wife, Wendy, Travis Cholewa and wife, Karen, Michelle Shadel and husband, Jonathan, Jeremy "J.D." Cholewa and wife, Jennifer, and Sarah Beth Cholewa, five granddaughters, two grandsons, one sister and two brothers.

There will be a small, outdoor gathering of family and friends on August 22, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the top of Bull Run Road in Northfield.

Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com