Greece/Conesus Lake: At age 96, Ray passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the Friendly Home in Rochester, New York. He was born in Syracuse, NY to the late William and Ida (CinqMars) Gendron. Ray is predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann (Connaughton) Gendron, his brothers, Paul, Henry and Don Gendron, his sister, Jeanne Wilson and his son-in-law; Randy Smith. Survived by his children; James (Theresa) Gendron, Julie Smith, his grandchildren; Nicole Smith, Shane Smith, Emily Gendron, and Connor Gendron, his sisters-in-law Catherine Connaughton & Rosemary Oesterly along with several nieces and nephews.
Ray was a physicist in the research department at Kodak for 30 years. He was a devout Catholic and a parishioner at Our Mother of Sorrows church from1961 until 2018 when he moved to Conesus Lake. At MOS, Ray took leadership positions in the the PTA and the Parish Council. He taught catechism, worked every festival, and helped run Bingo along with his beloved Ann for decades. He volunteered at Unity Hospital, donated gallons of blood to the Red Cross and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus to name a few. Ray and Ann wintered in Panama City Beach for twenty years and they were active at St. Bernadette’s parish there as well.
He was an alumni from one of the first graduating classes at LeMoyne College. He was a Navy veteran & pilot during the WWII era. He married Ann Connaughton in 1957. He always enjoyed sports especially the Bills. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Ann, bicycling, golfing, mall walking and walking the Charlotte Pier. He always had a curious mind, loved reading, continuously learning & “hitting the beads” every day for various intentions.
Friends and family are invited to call from 5-7PM on Friday, April 1, 2022 at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia. Raymond’s Funeral Mass will take place at 10AM on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road in Livonia, NY. Interment will immediately follow Ray’s funeral service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in Rochester, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Jim & Julie – I will always have very cherished and fond memories of both your parents, having spent so much time at your home growing up. Your dad was always very kind and patient and I know that he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Peace to both of you and your families. Your dad is now reunited with your mom which hopefully can give you some comfort.
Dear Julie and family,
Sending you love and prayers as you say goodbye to your Dad.Our deepest sympathies.
Sam and Denise Germano
My prayers and sympathy go out to you a?l during this difficult time. Love to all.
C ondolences; to Jim,Julie and family:
We knew Ray and Ann through Cursillo many years ago.Ray was a Gentleman ( ery gentle) a Catholic ( fully ) and both were great to be with. Very upbeat and joyful.. Our children were at Cardinal Mooney while you
attended. God Blees and comfort you. The Murtys, Kathy and Gerry
My deepest condolences to your family and friends. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Very sad about your Dad’s passing Jim and Julie
I lost my Dad in 2016
I always had a good relationship with your Dad @ Mother of Sorrows
I am an Usher there now
My condolences for a very good man!
I will pray for peace for you
Ray was a fine and helpful brother in law and uncle to the Pat Connaughton Family. We miss him. Much love to his family.
Ray was a well liked and respected member of Council #3892 of the Knights of Columbus and will be greatly missed. I have known him personally through the Knights and we all extend our deepest sympathy to his family. May God welcome him into his arms with love and give his family peace in knowing that he is with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jim and Julie,So sorry to hear about your dad, he and your mom were wonderful godparents to me. After your mom passed, we kept in touch with Christmas cards, but lost touch a few years ago. He was a special person and I will miss him very much. Love to you and your families.