FULTON, NY – Benson “Lee” Raymond, 73, of Palermo, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Friday January 9, 2015.
He was born in his family home in the town of Richland, a son to the late, Benson A. and Carol B. Raymond.
Lee, as he was known, was a life resident of Palermo.
He attended Mexico Academy and Central School and served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.
Following his military service, Lee went to work at the Nestle Co. in Fulton and then built houses with Ryan Homes before becoming a Union Carpenter with the Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 12, Syracuse.
Lee later became a Millwright with the Millwrights Local 1163, Rochester, where he retired in December 1997.
Lee was known as a “Jack of all trades” and built furniture for his grandchildren and was in the process of restoring his 1928 Model A Ford truck.
Lee also enjoyed spending time with and chauffeuring his grandchildren to their school and sporting events.
In addition to his parents, Lee was predeceased by his children, Benson Raymond Jr. and Meri Beth Raymond who died in 1972; a grandson, Douglas “Dougie” Raymond Jr., who died in 1995; and by a sister, Kathryn Keator.
Lee is survived by his wife of 51 ½ years, Gloria Jean Chapman Raymond; five children, Michelle (Robert) Holland of Palermo, Douglas (Laurie) Raymond of Mexico, Mark Raymond of Palermo, Jennifer (Timothy) Woods of Palermo and Stephen (Susan) Raymond of Palermo; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; one brother, James (Laura) Raymond of Palermo; three sisters, Nola Lago of Fulton, Diane Stone of Florida and Sharon (Donald) McLaughlin of Nedrow; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Foster Funeral Home, Fulton.
Calling hours will be held 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 910 Fay St., Fulton.
Burial will be in the spring at Vermillion Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Mr. Raymond may be made to Friends of Oswego County Hospice, P.O. Box 102, Oswego, NY 13126 or to the National League of P.O.W/M.I.A. Families, 5673 Columbia Pike, Suite 100, Falls Church, Va. 22041.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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