Raymond “Ray” Smacher

Raymond (Ray) W. Smacher, 90, of Endwell, NY and formally of Vestal, NY passed away peacefully in his sleep from complications of Alzheimer’ s disease. He was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Stella (Koytek) Smacher and his brother Richard Smacher along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife Nancy (Gallagher) Smacher. Ray, asked Nancy to dance and continued to dance with Nancy, the love of his life, for their 66 years of marriage. Ray is survived by his sons and daughter in-laws, Mark and Suzanne Smacher, Apalachin, NY, Tim and Terri Smacher, Myrtle Beach, SC, Brian and Susan Smacher, Syracuse, NY. Ray is survived by his grandchildren, Shannon, Ryan, Jason, Amber (Jason), Krystle (Matt), Sara and Jenny, seven great grandchildren, his brother Robert Smacher of Endicott, NY, several nieces, nephews, sister and brother in-laws and his good friends Dick and Barbara Gorr. Ray was born in Endicott, NY and graduated from U-E high school. He joined U.S. Marine Corps at the age of V, rising to the rank of Master Sargent. He served active duty during WWII in the Pacific Campaign with the 5th Division, was a reservist and then was called up to serve during the Korean War. Ray was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows church, Vestal and formally a member of St. Casmir’s Polish Catholic church, Endicott. Ray was a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 89 and was a member and steward for the National Letter Carriers Association. Ray worked for the US Postal Service as a carrier back when they walked the routes, he stated he walked 10 to 11 miles a day and still walked up to 5 miles a day into his 80’s. Ray loved watching sports an attended many of his children and grandchildren’s games. Ray usually liked the underdog with the exception of his NY Giants. Ray loved going for a Sunday ride in the country, liked to travel, to “cookout”, he watched any Western movie he could, was the family history buff and more than anything else loved his family and any family gathering. Ray loved dancing and danced many styles from the Polka to the Waltz. He met his future wife Nancy at a dance at the Fountains Pavilion when she was 18 and he was 21. After getting a yes from Nancy to dance they dated for several years and were married in 1950. Everyone who knew Ray said he was “one of the good ones”. The family thanks the staff at Riverview Manor, Owego, NY for their great care of Ray during his short stay with them.

Funeral Services will be held Friday 9:30 am from the Allen Memorial Home 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Vestal at 10 am. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Thursday from 4-7 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or Alz.org.