Douglas F. Rau

1930 - 2022

Douglas F. Rau

BINGHAMTON --- After a full and blessed life of over 91 years, Douglas F. Rau passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday January 23,2022 at his home in Binghamton, NY.

Doug was born in Salamanca, NY on April 13, 1930, the son of William and Catherine (LeFevre) Rau.

Doug was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1948. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1950 to 1954 on the USS Braine. After his service he returned to Salamanca and worked as a barber for Bill Remington and in 1964 opened Doug's Barber Shop. He also worked as a corrections officer for the Cattaraugus County Sherriff's Department for 15 years retiring in 1992.

On September 3,1955 he married the former Kathryn Spink, who survives. Doug and Kathryn had 66 years of a wonderful marriage. They lived on Center Street in Salamanca for over 60 years and were able to snowbird to the Florida Keys for 25 of those years. In 2018 they moved to Binghamton New York to be closer to family.

Doug was a member of the Great Valley Lodge #1178 F&AM; The American Legion and The Congregational Church of Little Valley NY; and The Senior Center of Salamanca.

Doug loved to tell a good joke, sit by a campfire, keep the lawn immaculate and watch Yankee Games. He could often be seen driving around town in his 1930 Model A Ford. His greatest joys were his family, his love for cars and the Florida Keys.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Kathryn, are daughters Karla (Mark) Jensen of Binghamton, NY; Sheila (Patrick) Garvy of Durham, CT. Grandchildren Karl Garvy (Denver, CO), Anni Garvy (Stamford, CT), Sonja Jensen (Potsdam, NY) and Peter Jensen, Binghamton, NY; and several beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother William Rau, sisters Rhea Boza, Emilie Harold and Mary Jane Rau. The family is grateful for the compassionate care and friendship of caregiver Jeanne Lavalle of Endicott, NY.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm July 9, 2022 at the Riverside Chapel, 134 Broad St. Salamanca. Interment will follow in Little Valley Rural Cemetery. Anyone wishing to honor Doug can donate to a charity of their choice. Services provided by the Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, Binghamton, NY. Sign his online guestbook at www.HEFUNERALHOME.com