RAYMOND R. "RAY" CORDARO

Raymond R. Cordaro, a retired businessman and 45 year resident of Dobbs Ferry, died on November 17, 2002, from a massive stroke in the village he loved so dearly. Born in the South Bronx to Salvatore and Elizabeth (Hornak) Cordaro on November 20, 1926, he would have been 76 on Wednesday. He attended local schools in the Bronx before graduating from Manhattan Aviation, where his lifelong love of flying began. A licensed and accomplished pilot, he enjoyed flying and telling about flights, especially around the Florida Keys. A World War II Veteran, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the South Pacific and was proud of both his country and his active membership in American Legion Post 1048 in Dobbs Ferry. Ray was a communicant of Our Lady of Pompeii Church and for many years a member of the Dobbs Ferry Ambulance Corp. He had an abiding love of the political scene and was active at the state, county and local levels. He ran a number of successful campaigns and was the former Chairman of the local Republican Party. Marrying Amelia Costando, who survives him, in St. Roch's Church in 1950 in the Bronx, their loving partnership was very much responsible for their business successes, including one of the most popular Carvel Ice Cream establishments (Elmsford) in Westchester during the 1950's and 60's. He was successful in other ice cream and retailing operations including John's Bargain Stores. Ray was known for his love of model trains and everything to do with railroading and continued to attend train shows throughout the Northeast. He was currently planning a trip by train to Churchill, Canada to observe polar bears. Predeceased by a loving sister, Helen, he is also survived by a brother, Joseph, of St. Louis, MO, adoring nieces and nephews and many friends, especially in Dobbs Ferry, who will miss his bigger than life presence, storytelling and camaraderie. Mass of the Resurrection will be offered on Thursday, November 21, 10 am, at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Dobbs Ferry. Visiting Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home. EDWARDS-DOWDLE FUNERAL HOME, INC 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry (914)693-3330