Raymond Severance Roberts

Raymond Severance
Roberts
of Binghamton
Raymond Severance Roberts, age 86, of Binghamton, New York, died July 5, 2008 at Kindred Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., after a 3 month valiant fight. Ray was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Ruth. He is survived by two sisters, Marion Schmitt, Uniondale, Pennsylvania, and Virginia Miller, Lakewood, New Jersey; a daughter, Donna and her life partner, Julie Brunner, Cape Canaveral, Florida; a son, James and his wife, Ruth, Binghamton, New York; a son, Randall, Panton, Vermont; and four grandchildren, Christopher, Nicole, Christina and Stephanie. Raymond was born on October 6, 1922, to Raymond Chester and Lena May Roberts at the homestead dairy farm in Lenoxville, Pennsylvania. Raymond was inducted into the US Army on December 19, 1942, and faithfully served his country as an auto mechanic in several battles. He was a decorated D-Day Veteran and served with the 474th AAA AW Battalion. On September 3, 1950, Raymond married Ruth Josephine Cator and together they raised their family on Bigelow Street in Binghamton. He remained a devoted, hardworking father who found ways to enjoy the simple things in life. Raymond worked 6 days a week for many years at the Glidden Paint Store in both Vestal and Johnson City as a paint store sales manager. He loved working hard and customer service was most important. When he retired he turned his attention to growing "prize winning" tomatoes, mastered the art of porch sitting, and learned how to play golf. He frequently reminded his friends and family about his 3 holes-in-one at Dimmock Hill Golf Course. For 20 years, Ray and Ruth enjoyed their winters in Ormond Beach, Florida. After his wife's death in June 2005, Ray became an avid reader and always enjoyed a trip to Red Lobster, where he ordered the same meal after spending several minutes studying the menu. He was a die hard N.Y. Mets fan and firmly believed he could do a better job managing his favorite team. His children and grandchildren will miss him and always remember his quick wit and bantering with family and neighbors, as well as the simple way he lived his life. He was a strong and gentle man who looked forward to being reunited in heaven with his wife, Ruth.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 12:00 noon at the Ernest H. Parsons Funeral Home, Inc., 71 Main St., Binghamton. Rev. Paul W. Towers will officiate. Burial will be at Chenango Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 until the time of the service. Memorial donations in Raymond's name may be made to the Fairview United Methodist Church, 254 Robinson St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13904.