Raymond J. Stoddard Jr.
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Raymond J. Stoddard Jr., 87, formerly of the Maple Knolls Apartments, Johnstown, N.Y., passed away peacefully early Sunday at the Wells House. He now will join his wife, Violet, whom he greatly missed since her passing on April 17, 2003. It hasn't been easy for Ray these last six and a half years, but we know he is at peace now.
Born in Broadalbin on April 20, 1922, he was the son of the late Raymond J. Sr. and Bessie Stoddard. He attended schools in Broadalbin. During World War II, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army stationed in Panama. Together with his father, he built his home on Perth Galway Road 107, where he lived for forty years before moving to Johnstown in 1994. "Uncle Ray," as he was affectionately known, worked as a printer for Amsterdam Printing & Litho for over thirty-five years before he retired in 1983. He was an avid bowler and a member of the Sky View league. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Broadalbin. A 'good old guy from the country', Ray loved to dress up for Halloween, and entertain neighbors, friends and members of the Adult Day Care, to perk up their spirits. He had a passion for animals, especially Sugar, his dog.
He married the love of his life, the former Violet Messineo, on November 26, 1944.
His loving family includes: his son, John R. "Jack" and his wife, Mary Stoddard, of Ballston Lake; his daughter, Valerie J. Stoddard of Niskayuna; granddaughters, Ann Marie Bertuch and her husband, Dave, of Amsterdam and Jennifer Ferraro and her husband, Charles, of Holbrook, N.Y.; great-grandchildren, Paige and David Bertuch; sister, Marion Boyle of Perth; and nieces, nephews.
He was predeceased by siblings, Edith Messineo, Harry and Vernon Stoddard.
A Prayer service will take place Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. with Fr. Pascal A. Iannotti officiating. Interment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. Calling hours are today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Ray's name to the Disabled American Veterans, in care of the funeral home office. Please visit his family's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.
