Howard A. "Howie" Ray

1932 - 2018

Howard A. "Howie" Ray, 85, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Auburn, NY to the late Nelson and Mabel Ray on September 18, 1932. Howie served his country honorably in the United States Air Force where he retired with over 20 years of service. After his military service, he went on to work as a district manager for the Friendly Ice Cream Corp. Howie was a hard worker his whole life, and was currently working for the South Colonie School District. He was predeceased by his step-mother, who raised him, Iva Ray; his siblings, Verna Stamper, Rosamond Ray, and Nelson Ray Jr., the mother of his children, Ernestine Ray; his great-grandson, Chase London.He is survived by his beloved children, Mildred (Alberto) Aviles, Sharon (Dean) Vrooman, Keith (Dawn) Ray, Joyce (Grantley) McLeod; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Melissa, Danielle, Grantley II., Keith, and Jonathan; his six great-grandchildren; his siblings, Maudena Hayden, and Richard Ray, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205, on Friday (4/27/18), from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday (4/28/18) at Calvary Tabernacle Church, 1840 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY 12304, at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Monday (4/30/18), at 11 a.m. Those who would wish to drive in procession to the cemetery may meet in the parking lot of the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howie's name to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12205.

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