Obituary of Donald C. Ray, Sr.

ILION – Mr. Donald C. Ray, Sr. passed away on Saturday morning September 9, 2017 at the age of 83 at Mohawk Valley Healthcare in Ilion, NY. The family is grateful for the care received from the 4th floor staff at the Healthcare Center.

He was born on April 25, 1934 in Herkimer, NY, a son of the late Frank and Anna (Weakley) Ray and attended Mohawk schools. He was a lifelong area resident. Don had worked for many years with Duofold, first in Mohawk and then at the Ilion facility. He was interested in bowling throughout his life and was a member of the Mohawk Valley Towns Bowling Association and a former Board Member. He really enjoyed his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid Boston Red Sox, Syracuse Orange and Buffalo Bills fan.

Don is survived by his children, Donna Ray, of Ilion, Donald Ray, Jr. of Ilion, and Elizabeth Colburn and her husband James of Ilion, his grandsons, Daniel Colburn of Kansas, Clay Colburn and Brady Colburn both of Ilion, a sister, Barbara Fineout of East Herkimer, his In-Laws, Marie Ray of Ilion and Nora Ray of Utah and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Marjorie Chidester, William Ray, Robert Ray, Eleanor Fineout, and Richard Ray.

Don’s funeral service arrangements are with The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (Town of Frankfort). There will be a calling hour at the funeral home on Saturday September 16, 2017 from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM. At the conclusion of calling hours, we will have a funeral service (1:30 PM) and then proceed to Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion where interment will take place. Those wishing are asked to consider a memorial donation in memory of Donald Ray to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Suite 6, Utica, NY 13502. We have decided this fine organization as an honor and tribute to Don’s son. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

The family is being served by Funeral Directors Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (Town of Frankfort). 315-894-8000.