Raymond J. Ainsworth
April 14, 1921 ~ February 17, 2008
Rochester, February 17, 2008, Born April 14,1921. Raymond was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Ella, his brother Nelson and sister Violet Lissow. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ainsworth, nee Finucane of Brighton, his loving daughter and son-in-law Nancy and John Koris Jr. He is also survived by his Grandson John Koris III and his wife Amy, granddaughter Sara Koris Scialo and her husband Michael. He also leaves his great grandson Jack (John Koris IV), who never failed to put a smile on his face. He is survived by his sister Eleanor Wahl of Greece, sister Dorothy Latz of Florida as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.
Raymond was a veteran of World War II serving with the 8th Air Force in Europe. He was passionate about his music especially that of the 'big band' era. He was a drummer and played with the Grey Knights Drum and Bugle Corps for many years. His band, 'The Belltone Trio' played for many weddings and other functions throughout Monroe County.
Raymond also enjoyed spending winters in Las Vegas where he could catch the lounge acts and occasionally be invited to sit in for a set or two. He retired from Eastman Kodak company in 1983 after 38 years of service.
Raymond's family would like to thank the staff of the second floor Reservoir at St. John's Home and Lifetime Care/Hospice for their loving and compassionate care for the past 2 1/2 years. They are truly special and dedicated people.
Friends may call Tuesday 4-7 P.M. at Vay-Schleich and Meeson Funeral Home 1075 Long Pond Road. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Wednesday 9:30 A.M. at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Avenue. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. John's Home Foundation, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester, New York 14620.
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DEAR MARY,
I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE LOST OF RAYMOND. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
DAD SPOKE MANY TIMES OF THE BOTH OF YOU. HE TREASURED THE FINUCANES AND ALL THE FAMILY HISTORY.
GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
DAVID SELBERT
Dear Nancy,
So sorry to hear about your Dad, my thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Joan
He was a true gift to everyone that knew him and he will be sadly missed. He brightened everyone’s life that he touched and always brought a smile to all of our faces. I hope he’s at peace now and dancing away in Heaven with Mom, his big sister, who adored him. I know she would have been right there to welcome him.
My deepest condolences….
I have known Ray for the past 2.5 years at St.John’s Home.
He began living at St.John’s shortly after I became employed there in 05′.
Everyday,it would drive me crazy..he looked so familiar,and I couldn’t figure out where from….
Ray also had the hardest time remembering my name….
Then one day him and I were in his room talking and I noticed he had a harmonica,and a songbook for it.I began looking through it,and noticed he was from my neighborhood….
I asked if him and his wife ever went to Jackson’s Bakery,and he said that ‘Mary loves it there’….
From then on,He called me Harmonica,and always reminded me that we were from the ‘old Neighborhood’….
Ray always made me laugh,even when he was being stubborn! haha….He always had great stories to tell about the bands he had played in….and was always spoken so highly of his family.I have never seen a man more in love with his wife than Ray…he was always worried sick about Mary,and smiled everytime he spoke her name.
I always got a kick out of it when another resident,Elizabeth,would salute him whenevever she saw him,and say ‘Mornin’ Sarge’,and Ray would always salute her back,he was so proud…but in a good way.
Bless you Raymond,you’re in great hands now…..And May God be with your family during these times.
My symphathy is extended to the family on your loss. I work with Nancy at the American Liver Foundation. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Antoinette
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Nancy. It is a very tough situation to go through. Let me know if you need anything.
Nancy & Family
Losing a loved one is never easy and hopefully all your memories will carry you through this time of sorrow. I know this has been a long road for your Dad and knowing he is now at peace will help you and family.
The thoughts and prayer of the Connecticut Chapter staff are with you and your family during the days ahead.
Our sincere condolances,
Love,
JoAnn Thompson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Jim Van Gelder plowed Bill Baird’s driveway and yours. May god be with you at this time.
We are sad to learn of Raymonds passing, Know that we Loved him very much as well as we do Mary. Raymond was always a good friend to us and we loved his stories, and believe me he had many stories to tell, he made us Laugh, we always had fun, his Memory will be in our hearts forever and we look forward to when we meet again in Heaven.
We’re so sorry we can’t be there in person, Aunt Mary. You know how much we all loved Uncle Ray. We have wonderful memories of many years of family gatherings, swing dancing to the band at functions, Dexter, and just plain FUN with both of you. We send our love and deepest sympathy to you, Nancy, John and all your family. You’ve always been so special to all of us! We love you!! Well see you in late April and at the lake this summer.
Peggy and Dick