Raymond Francis Matteau Sr.

WARRENSBURG Raymond Francis Matteau Sr., 84, slipped away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born Jan. 11, 1923, to Joseph and Elsie (Corbe) Matteau of Tuckahoe. During World War II, he was an Army radio communications specialist in Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star. In 1946, while working for the summer at the Sagamore Golf Course in Bolton Landing, he met Anita Smith, who was home for the month on vacation from her studies in Yonkers. Fate prevailed and the two were married in September of 1947. The couple settled in Yonkers and Ray managed Ferris Radio in Bronxville until the family moved to Warrensburg in 1959. Ray worked for Griffin Appliance in Glens Falls and when Mr. Griffin retired, he purchased the business, which he ran as Ray's Quality Appliance for more than 30 years until his own retirement. Ray enjoyed working on his house, golfing and spending time with his family, taking special delight in the evening poker game whenever family and friends were gathered. He was a faithful member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Warrensburg, helping however he could, most recently with the parish food bank. Ray was also a former member of Glens Falls Elks Lodge No. 81 and the Warrensburg VFW. Fond memories of Ray's life are being shared by his wife of 60 years, Anita; their three children: Renee of Florida, Ray Jr. and his wife, Nina, of Westport, and Mark and his wife, Emilee, of Tennessee; seven grandchildren: Jason, Andrea, Sarah, Yancy, Cody, Alexandria and Harrison; his brother, Harold of Tuckahoe; his three nieces: Mary Lou of Pennsylvania, Regina of Tuckahoe, Beckie Butler and her husband, David, of Warrensburg and a nephew, Donny and his wife, Karen, of Yonkers; sister-in-law, Sue West of Warrensburg; and special family friend, Steve Schiappa and many other family and friends. In accordance with his wishes, Ray was cremated and no services are planned. Any desired donations in his memory may be made to St. Cecilia's Building Fund, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, NY 12885 or North Country Ministry, P.O. Box 111, North Creek, NY 12853. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book and condolences.