Raymond “Ray” K. Filsinger
Filsinger, Raymond (Ray) K, 94 years, passed away peacefully on April 15th after a brief illness. Most recently of Hamburg, NY and formerly of 490 Park Club Lane, Williamsville and Cheektowaga, NY. Father of the late Linda M. Defichy (Nicholas Lukatchik) of Syracuse, NY, late Edward M. (Aurora) Filsinger of National City, CA, Pamela A. (Angelo) Revezzo of Hamburg, Victoria F. (Alfred) Pires of Punta Gorda, FL, and William (Azucena Sue) Filsinger of Boylston, MA. Stepfather of David (Julie) Egner of Dayton, OH, and the late Steven (Shelley) Egner of Boston, NY. Grandfather of Amanda, Adam, Cassandra, Eileen, Rachel, Deanna, Sabrina, Elizabeth and Katherine. He is also survived by great grandchildren, brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ray was predeceased by his second wife Deloris (Nee Egner)
Ray served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1950 as an Electrician’s Mate Fireman on the USS Chemung. After his discharge from the Navy, Ray married Joan Durrant and settled in Cheektowaga, NY where he raised his five children providing for his family as a Manufacturing Engineer at Westinghouse and later at Ultra Tool.
From an early age, Ray enjoyed woodworking and sailing and built his first sailboat at age 15. During the 1970’s Ray was the Commodore at the Parkway Sailing Club on the Niagara River in Canada. He was also a member of the Buffalo Power Squadron. Sailing was a family affair aboard his Lightning class sailboat.
Ray was an accomplished Boy Scout Leader, often taking his scouts on canoeing and camping trips in the Southern Tier.
At age 60, Ray began training to become a pilot. He earned his wings in short order and spent many hours flying in his Cessna.
Ray was a member of the Cleveland Heights Christian Church in Cheektowaga, NY. He donated countless hours of his time to projects at the church and keeping it in good repair. He had a love of woodworking and could often be found creating something in his garage shop. In his off hours he enjoyed gardening and memberships in Les Amis du Vin and the Buffalo Zoo. Ray was also a volunteer usher at UB Center for the Arts for many years.
He will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Online Condolences may be made at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com
Vicki (Al) and family
My deepest condolences to all of you. It looks like your Dad ( grandfather) was a very accomplished gentleman.
May He Rest In Peace 🙏🏻
Many fond memories of uncle Ray, the Niagra, and the good ship the Valium V. Especially that Sumer day he he (intentionaly) put his sister Carol in the Niagra off the bow of his sailboat while “docking*, although he professed his innocence to the end. Fair winds uncle Ray.
Ray was a good friend back in our Power Squadron days. Good boating guy.