Raymond W. Seeley Jr.
Ray Seeley, a lifelong resident of Syracuse, passed away moments before his 85th birthday surrounded by angels. Ray was a graduate of Assumption School.
He served our country as a Corporal in the Army and was a Korean War veteran. He spent 19 months in Germany as a military police officer. Following his honorable discharge, he became a Syracuse police officer. At this time, he met Dee, the love of his life and married her on January 1, 1957. They just celebrated their 58th anniversary. He retired after 38 years with S&H Wholesale Corporation and was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Along with his wife, Dee (Delores Degan) he leaves behind three children, Ron (Nancy Goldacker) Seeley, Dawn (Harry) Demperio and Dan (Teresa) Seeley. He was affectionately known as "Papa" to his seven grandchildren, Jessica, Nicole, Brianna, Olivia, Anna, Luke and Nicholas. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Brooke, Ava and Trevor. He is also survived by his loving sister, Norma "Moe" Kemmet and brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Kemmet, several nephews and a niece.
Ray was predeceased by a granddaughter, Danielle; his sister, Pat Gaffey and recently, his brother, Jerry Seeley.
Ray loved baseball, especially the "New York Yankees". He stated how he would miss Derek Jeter as a true captain who represented the Yankees with class and integrity. Ray's love of the game benefited his own neighborhood. He was the president of the Valley Little League and Valley Babe Ruth five years and loved every moment. Ray was responsible for the rebuilding of the refreshment stand after a fire destroyed it. It was later named for him. He also started the Valley Lassies Softball Team for his daughter and other girls who wanted to join.
Ray touched many lives and was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Special thanks for the care and compassion he received from Dr. Kirshner and others at Hematology Oncology Associates, the 4th floor nurses at Crouse Hospital and the team at Iroquois Nursing Home.
Ray's family celebrated his life during a private ceremony on Friday followed by a burial at Veteran's Cemetery.
Donations in Ray's honor may be made to the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, One Children's Circle, Syracuse, NY 13210 or ONLINE www.upstate.edu/gch/kids/childlife/donations.php
Date of Death: February 9, 2015
Funeral Home
Hollis Funeral Home
Published in Syracuse Post Standard from February 13 to February 15, 2015
[Great-great-grandson of SGS # 2905 - Raymond W. Jr.; Raymond W.; Raymond; Alonzo M.; Orris (# 2905); Lemuel (# 1180); Lemuel; Gideon; Joseph; John; Nathaniel; Robert]
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