Raymond Bernard Galandio

1931 - 2025

SALAMANCA - Raymond Bernard Galandio, 94, of Salamanca, after struggling bravely with health issues, passed away early Monday morning (Nov. 17, 2025) under the comfort care of the staff at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Machias.

Born Nov. 17, 1931, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Florence Rossi Galandio. He was married Dec. 4, 1992, to the former Betty Amey Lord, who survives. Previously, he had been married to Sylvia Marie Kolivoski, who also survives.

At age 16, after attending school in Salamanca, Ray worked at Fancher Furniture Company as an apprentice cabinet maker and, prior to military service, he worked on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

Ray served as sergeant first class in the U.S. Army from 1952–1960. His active duty service was in Korea as platoon sergeant in the 14th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division of Company F. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After his honorary discharge in 1954, he continued to serve six years in the Army Reserves.

Following active duty, Ray returned home to what was to be a 40-plus-year career in the furniture industry, working for the Taylor Jamestown and Ethan Allen companies. He was awarded a Graduate Plaque from The Quality College in Winter Park, FL and being dedicated to quality work, he continued to achieve excellence in all operations. He retired from Ethan Allen in the late 90s as their finishing department supervisor.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296 and an over-40-year member of the Elkdale Country Club, enjoying golfing with friends and hanging out at their Table 7.

He enjoyed cooking his specialties, spaghetti sauce and apple pie, which were unbeatable prize winners. He also enjoyed making wine, keeping his lawn in pristine condition and, at one time, was an avid bowler.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children, Denise Galandio, Karen Galandio, Anne (Michael) Flynn and Jonathan Galandio; three grandchildren, Lauren Fagan, Austin Flynn and Benjamin Galandio; a great-grandchild, Viera Fagan; a brother, Ralph Galandio of Salamanca; a niece, Diane (Ed) Crater; and several nieces and nephews. He was fondly known by four stepchildren, Denise (Bob) Lord, Christopher (Lanette) Lord, Kelli Taylor and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Lord; and several step-grand and great-grandchildren as their "Papa Ray".

He was predeceased by two sisters, Marie Dolecki and Betty Almy; and a brother, Eugene Galandio.

There will be no visitation. A private graveside service was held at Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors were conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.