Robert Raymond

Robert Harry Raymond, 91, of Kerhonkson died suddenly Saturday, February 18, 2017. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey August 13, 1925, he was the son of the late Stephen Raymond & Alma Ardvison Raymond. Bobby's love of nature and the outdoors began as a boy foraging, fishing and exploring what was once rural Teaneck, New Jersey. He graduated from Teaneck High School in 1943 and answered the call to serve his country in the Merchant Marine from 1943 through 1945. He sailed on 35-40 convoys that took him through dangerous waters and for this WWII service he was awarded The Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Medal, the Atlantic War Zone Medal, the Merchant Marine Combat Bar, the WWII Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Medal and the Presidential Testimonial Letter of recognition and gratitude from President Harry Truman. Upon his honorable discharge, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Robert H. Raymond S2 C was a member of the original crew which commissioned the U.S.S. Philippine Sea CV-47. Robert was at the helm as it embarked on its South Pole Expedition in 1946-1947. The primary mission of Operation Highjump was to establish the Antarctic Research Base, Little America IV. Robert served under the command of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Jr. He had the privilege of having many private conversations with Admiral Byrd on the bridge of the Philippine Sea. This expedition earned him the Antarctic Service Medal and the Honorable Discharge in 1947. Robert married his sweetheart, Dorothy, in 1949 and eventually settled with his two children in the Hudson Valley. He worked for the New York State Department of Corrections for 25 years. His professional accomplishments and commitment to excellence earned him respect and admiration by both inmates and fellow officers. It was during this time that he worked part time at the Pines Hotel in South Fallsburg. He started as a security officer and then controlled the spotlight for the many entertainers who performed during the hotel's hay day. He enjoyed the challenge of perfecting new skills and the interaction with the celebrities he met. Bob retired as a Lieutenant in 1987 and was then able to devote his time to his many lifelong interests. He found great pleasure in hunting, trap shooting, fishing, gardening, cooking, reading and acting as chauffeur for Dorothy. His love of family, including his loyal hound dogs, was his greatest joy. Everyone who knew Bob was entertained by his wide range of knowledge, by his wit and by his joke telling talent. He loved to learn and he loved to laugh; he took great pleasure in making others laugh as well. His family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to Olga Ben and Luba Chiminec for the compassionate loving care they provided during Robert's later years. Their dedication to his well-being allowed him to remain in the comfort and security of his Kerhonkson home. Bob is survived by his two children, Stephen L. Raymond and his wife Shari of Athol, NY and Susan R. Basch and her husband Eli of Kingston, one grandson, John Raymond of Albany, three nieces and three nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy McFeely Raymond, who passed in 2011, two brothers, Stanley Raymond and Walter Raymond. Funeral Service and interment will be held privately. Donations can be sent to the Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad, P.O.Box 67 Kerhonkson, NY 12446