SALISBURY - Mr. Raymond Edward Bilger, Sr. age 69, of 633 State Highway 29A Salisbury, NY, died Thursday January 1, 2015 at Little Falls Hospital following a brief illness. Raymond was born in Salisbury, on January 14, 1945 the son of the late Edgar and Lila (Herringshaw) Bilger and attended Stratford school. His marriage to Joan Lamphere Gilbert took place April 6, 1968 at the home of Rev. Darling in Salisbury, NY. He started work at the age of 16 for the North Hudson Woodcraft Corporation, retiring after 44 years. Ray was a very happy guy with many interests inclusive to basketball, hunting, fishing, garage sales, snowmobiling, a lover of animals, and a very special love of spending time with his family. He could carve firewood with the best of them, and was known to cut and collect firewood of any size. He was well-known by his CB handle "Swamp Angel." Ray was an avid follower of "Days of Our Lives," and took great delight in dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas time. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Joan, his children, Richard Gilbert and his wife Donna of Salisbury, NY, Mark Gilbert and his wife Laura of Christiansburg, Virginia, Raymond Bilger, Jr. and his wife Anna of Salisbury, Shawn Bilger and his wife Deb of Salisbury, Scott Bilger and his wife Angie of Salisbury, and Jules Bilger and his wife Janet of Plymouth, NY, 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by beloved canine companions Tanika and Sophera. It is Raymond's wishes to be cremated with no calling hours or services. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorial donations to the family of Raymond Bilger, P.O. Box 41, Salisbury Center, NY 13454. His arrangements are entrusted to Brian A. Roberts of the Roberts & Enea Funeral Home, 3 East Faville Avenue, Dolgeville, NY. A remembrance of Raymond or a message of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.robertsandenea.com.