Obituary of Raymond F. Robinson

Johnsburg: Raymond F. Robinson died November 15, 2016 at Adirondack Tri-County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Ray was born October 6, 1931 in Sparkill, the son of George and Mary E. Robinson. He graduated from Tappan Zee High School in 1950 and attended NYS College for Teachers (later SUNY Albany) until 1952 when he entered the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet program, graduating in August of 1953, as a 2nd Lieutenant. On September 12, 1953 he married Fay Burns. They spent the next three years at Ellington AFB in Texas, where he served as a navigator instructor. Released from active duty in September 1956, he returned to NYSCT, where he completed his BA in Social Studies. In 1958 he accepted a teaching position at Johnsburg Central School in North Creek, completed his Masters Degree at NYSCT and the University of Illinois, and retired from teaching in 1986. In 1961 Ray joined the 109th Tactical Airlift Group located at the Schenectady County Airport (later the Stratton Airport) and over the next 20 years amassed over 5,000 hours of flying time all over the world as a Master Navigator. He was awarded the Air Medal and Vietnam Service Medal among many other awards and decorations. He retired from the Air Force in 1981 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Ray loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, maintaining his property, and swimming in the ocean while vacationing with his family at Provincetown, MA, in particular Race Point Beach, which, according to Ray, “had the best surf”. In his teaching career he was active in the JCSPTA and the Teachers’ Association, and started Advanced Placement History courses. His former students remember him as a caring, laid-back teacher, who succeeded (for most students) in making Social Studies not just interesting, but entertaining. After retiring from teaching in 1986, the Robinsons partnered with Sam and Sue Allison and ran Mill Mountain Antiques and Collectibles in Wevertown. Ray especially enjoyed the social aspect of the business. In the summers he worked as a house painter, having learned the skills from his father, and for three years worked for Pearsall Realty. In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by a brother, George Norris, and a daughter, Amy Robinson Planner. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Fay Robinson; two sons, Raymond F., Jr. of Hackensack, NJ, and Jeremy S. of Warrensburg; a daughter, Lisa Ann of Plattsburgh; two grandson, Christopher and Nathaniel of Johnsburg; two sisters, Eleanor of Scottsdale, AZ, and Carolyn of Anchorage, AK; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Ray’s family from 12 to 2 pm, Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Alexander Funeral Home, Inc., 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A memorial service to celebrate his life will immediately follow the visitation at 2 pm, at the funeral home. The family sends a special thank you to the staff at Adirondack Tri-County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their gentle and patient care during Ray’s stay there. Expressions of sympathy in Ray’s memory may be made to the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 112 Ski Bowl Rd., North Creek, NY 12853. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences, and directions.