Raymond "Ray" James Elliott, Jr , VRHS Class of 1935
Raymond James Elliott Jr., 99, of East Greenbush died peacefully Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Van Rensselaer Manor. Ray was born in Albany, the son of the late Raymond and Mary (Braymer) Elliott Sr. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret; and his daughter-in-law, Barbara Elliott. Ray is survived by his daughter, Mary (James) Kurutz; and his sons, Gerald (Peggy) Elliott and the Honorable Raymond James Elliott III. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kara (Eric) Wohlleber, Katherine (Scott) Burris, Elizabeth (Kola) Palushaj, Jeffrey and Amanda Kurutz, Courtney (Derek) Green, Matthew Elliott, and six great-grandchildren. Ray was a chemical technician from 1936 to his retirement in 1983, first at GAF and then at BASF. Ray was an avid golfer and bowler who shot his age on numerous occasions and scored a hole-in-one at age 81. He was a Sunday School teacher and Boy Scout leader for many years. He volunteered for the East Greenbush Little League and Babe Ruth League and was the manager of the championship team in the first year of the EG Little League's existence. He played a variety of sports at Rensselaer High School, played baseball in the Twilight League and competitive softball into his forties. He was an owner of greyhound racing dogs and a horse racing aficionado. Ray was a huge fan of Columbia High School sports and attended events well before, during, and after his children and grandchildren were on teams. He was easily spotted at games because of his unique fashion sense. Ray was a member of the Van Rensselaer Masonic Lodge for 59 years. Ray was a kind and caring man who enjoyed living life to its fullest. He had a smile for everyone, had an excellent sense of humor, and enjoyed carrying a tune. Interment will be at the East Greenbush Cemetery. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Salvation Army, 20 South Ferry Street, Albany 12202 or to the Human Fund care of George Costanza.