On August 25, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and friends, Raymond Timothy Welsh, 101, stepped through the door to eternal life and into the loving arms of Christ.

Born in Staten Island, NY on January 4, 1916, he was the son of the late James and Annie Loretta (Dooner) Welsh and brother to John, James, Edward, and Marian all of whom predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his infant son, William James. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Gladys Naomi (Freund) Welsh.

Ray graduated from Sacred Heart grade school in 1929 and Augustinian Academy on Staten Island in 1933. In 1937, he earned a BS in Government from Fordham University and a Masters degree in Social Work from SUNY at Buffalo in 1965. A WWII veteran, Ray served from 1941 to 1945. He was assigned to the 4th Armored Division, participated in North Africa campaigns, and served with the Army-Air Force in the China Burma India Theater. Ray survived the sinking of the troop ship, the HMT Rohna. After his Honorable Discharge in November 1945, he worked for the NYC Department of Social Services.

Ray and Gladys raised their family in Lancaster, where Ray served the youth of Western NY as a Parole Agent for the NYS Department of Social Services. After relocating to Schenectady, NY in 1967, Ray spent many years as a Supervising Parole Officer for the NYS Division for Youth, retiring in 1982 as a Supervisor in charge of the Albany, Hudson, and Plattsburgh, NY offices. He was an advocate for people of other faiths, beliefs, and ethnicities, easily connecting with people of all backgrounds.

Ray was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima/St. Helen’s church (St. Kateri Tekakwitha) in Schenectady, and past Grand Knight of their Knights of Columbus Council (1989-1990). Ray volunteered for 14 years for Meals on Wheels and was a former Vice President of Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA).

Ray loved his family dearly. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, with whom he shared his stories, humor, and wisdom. He was a patient caregiver to his wife, who was the love of his life. He lived each day to the fullest and according to his favorite motto “Carpe Diem.” He enjoyed the company of league friends at the Schenectady Municipal golf course. Ray retired from golfing at age 100.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Gladys, include his children: Stephen Welsh (Florence) of Troy, NY, Ann Rogers (Christopher) of Camillus, NY, Linda Welsh (Roger McDougal) of Clifton Springs, NY, Eileen Ruske (Ross) of Vienna, VA; his nine grandchildren: Megan and Kylie Welsh, Phoebe McDougal (Dan Rodríguez) and Audrey McDougal, Christopher Rogers, Kyle, Jillian, Michael, and Caitlin Ruske; and beloved nieces, nephews, and friends across the country. He was predeceased by his infant grandson Keith Allan McDougal.

Ray was a lifelong advocate for children. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or other charities supporting children. The family thanks The Community Hospice for their support and special thanks go to caregivers Connie, Carole, Lori, Linda, Karen, Ann B. and Ray’s primary physician, Dr. Carolyn Eaton and cardiologist Dr. C. Craig Peterson. In Ray’s memory, please consider performing acts of kindness.

Calling hours will be held from 5-7pm on Thursday, August 31st at Jones Funeral Home, Inc., 1503 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12309. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 9am on Friday, September 1st at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 2216 Rosa Rd, Schenectady, NY 12309. Internment with military honors at Saratoga National Cemetery will immediately follow the service at Noon.

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