Raymond Grayson

Ray was born in Buffalo, New York. As the eldest of ten children college seemed out of reach, but while working as a caddy at a local golf course, the golfers he caddied for encouraged him to go to college. They told him, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  Despite receiving an offer to drop out of high school and work at Sattler’s department store, he decided to join the Army.  Ray served during the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class, and importantly, the GI BIll that would pay his way through college. 
 

When Ray finished his tour of service in Korea, he was stationed on Staten Island. He attended the USO in Manhattan and promptly met the love of his life, Cathy Brady from Flushing, Queens. She was volunteering at the USO, and volunteers were strictly told not to date the Army men — but they fell in love anyway. In order to date Cathy, Ray would use several modes of transportation including the Staten Island Ferry, two buses, two subways,and lots of walking. In January 1956, Ray attended Purdue University to study Electrical Engineering with the GI Bill assistance. Despite the distance, their romance continued by writing love letters daily. During the summer of 1956, Cathy sent a 3 cent postcard that simply stated that she had a week off and some free time. Of course, Ray responded and called Cathy to visit him in Buffalo to meet his family. They visited scenic Niagara Falls and Cave of the Winds, but the true highlight was when Ray proposed later that day. Cathy and Ray were married in September 1957. They were a loving team, and supported each other through the trials of life. They started their family while Ray finished his college education, then moved to St. James, Long Island. Cathy and Ray were married for 60 years. 

Ray enjoyed time with family and friends, golfing, swimming, walking, traveling, cruising, listening to music, reading, camping, American Legion, musicals and playing dominoes. He spent his entire career at Airborne Instrument Laboratory (AIL) (later known as Eaton corporation), working on projects such as the B1 Bomber. He took great pride in his work and his engineering skills. Ray was a faithful parishioner at Saints Phillip and James since arriving in Long Island 65 years ago. 
 

He is survived by his children Terry, Patty, Ann (Dave Kirchman), Mike (Carolyn Mallon), and grandchildren, Jonathan, Michelle, Kieran and Lillian, his siblings Rita (Bud), Dorothy, Marilyn (Tom) and sister in law Eleanor. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Catherine, his parents Stella and James Golebiewski, his siblings Phylis, Pauline (Jack), Jerry, Daniel, Ronald. 
 

He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. May he rest in peace. 

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