Raymond D. Ross Sr.

Schenectady- Raymond Ross Sr., 81, of Schenectady, NY and Inverness, FL died peacefully on December 17, 2021 at Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, AZ.

He was born on June 24, 1940 in Duanesburg, NY to Theron and Virginia Ross.  Ray graduated from Duanesburg Central High School before enlisting in the US Navy in 1958.  He was honorably discharged in 1962.  He married the mother of his children, Doreen Ross, in 1963.  They divorced and he married Evelyn Heise Putnam in 1979.

Ray was proud of his family, friendships and accomplishments.  He retired from GE in Schenectady with more than 30 years of dedicated service where he received accolades as a master welder and he forged many lasting friendships. He coached little league in Rotterdam. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Schenectady and Point O’ Woods golf club in Inverness.  A great friend to many, willing to lend a helping hand anytime.

He enjoyed visiting family and friends (for 3 days or less), traveling, golfing, bowling, dancing (a Fred Astaire graduate), and fixing and building things.  He loved to eat, particularly turkey dinner and sweets, but he would NEVER put a good slice of pie on a dinner plate full of gravy!  He had an affinity for cars, pets and eclairs. Amazingly, he knew where to get great eclairs even when traveling.  He had a witty, dry sense of humor.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, brothers Ernie and Clarence Ross, sisters Aleta Martin, Ruth Gaige, Violet Whitbeck and Shirley Laven, and step-son Roy Putnam. 

He is survived by brothers Theron (Jenny) Ross of Rochester and Ralph (Linda) Ross of Gloversville, children Cindy (Tom) Scheidt of Glendale, Arizona, Ray (Kari) Ross Jr. of Rotterdam, Jessica (Greg) Kozlowski of Guilderland, step-son Roger Putnam of Duanesburg, grandchildren Zachary, Mark and Luke Scheidt, Elizabeth and Joshua Ross, Thomas, Trevor and Isabella Kozlowski, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Braman Corners Union Cemetery in Delanson, NY on June 25, 2022 at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. White-Van Buren Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.

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