Raymond A. Lander Jr.

Raymond (Ray) Lander Jr. was born in Rochester, NY on September 19, 1920 to Raymond and Elsa Vogt Lander. He is predeceased by sister June Lander Greene and wife Margaret Fowler Lander. Survived by four children Thomas (Sandi), Susan (Jane Reid), Nancy and Robert (Deborah Hodges), four Grandchildren William, Jonathan, Katie Turner, and Lee, and eleven great grandchildren.
He married Margaret Fowler of Lewistown, Pa in 1948. He attended The Allendale School in Rochester and graduated from Hill School in Pottstown, Pa in 1938. Graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY in 1942 with a degree in Administrative Mechanical Engineering. After working to gain business experience he joined the family business, Vogt Mfg. Co., in Rochester, NY as Research Director. He then spent several years at the Detroit Plant, mostly working with Automotive Engineers, designers and buyers to determine their future needs and learning that the greatest Automotive interest was in more durable products. He also spent a great deal of time learning how to use plastic materials with great wearing ability that were becoming available. In 1948 he returned to Rochester to set up a plastic division with the capability of forming plastic materials into almost any kind of product, using knowledge the company had from making automotive textile products to exactly match the car paint colors. By 1960 plastic products replaced all products previously made and the name of the Company was changed to Voplex Corp. New plants were set up in Lapeer, Mich. Canandaigua, NY and Pennsylvania and a new corporate headquarters was set up in a Rochester suburb. Mr. Lander advanced to VP, then President and then CEO and Chairman. Shortly thereafter the corporate headquarter was moved to Detroit and the company was merged with the Automotive Division of Rockwell Mfg. to become a major automotive supplier. He was involved with Rochester business and charitable activities and was Chairman of the U of R Associates. He was a Member of The Young Presidents Organization (YPO), The Country Club of Rochester, The Genesee Valley Club and The Rochester Yacht Club. After his retirement, they bought a home in Ocean Reef, Key Largo, FL, where they spent the winters. He was a Member of The Ocean Reef Club, The Ocean Reef Yacht Club, The Anglers Club, The Racquet Club (also on Board & Treasurer) and The Heath & Tennis Club (also on Board, President and Chairman). His activities involved tennis, skiing, boating, golf, swimming, croquet, and fitness.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Rochester Area Community Foundation 500 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607. Per his wishes a private family service will be held.