Obituary of Raymond L. Nowatzki

Wayland – Raymond L. Nowatzki, 79 years of age passed away early Wednesday afternoon, January 7th, 2015 at the Vincent House in Wayland, surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born November 13th, 1935 in Warsaw the son of Chester and Rose (Renz) Nowatzki. He grew up in Perry and was a graduate of Perry Central School. Ray and Marjorie Witherell were married April 7th, 1956 at St. Stanislaus Church and together they celebrated over 58 years of marriage. Ray served his country in the United States AirForce from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1957. He was assigned to the Combat Air Police Unit and throughout his military career he was stationed at Sampson Base, Geneva, Parks AirForce Base, Sacramento, CA, Goose Bay Labrador, Greenland and his final station at Seymour, NC. Ray’s employment career was mostly spent as a carpenter. He owned and operated his own business, Ray’s General Contractors for a few years in the 1960’s. In 1969 he joined the carpenter’s union and throughout his career with Local 85 he held many different positions that included line carpenter, carpenter superintendent and eventually became involved with union politics. He was the recording secretary for 18 years (while being carpenter superintendent) and he retired as the New York State Organizer for the union after holding that position for 4 years. Ray was a hard worker based on the need to support his family that he was dearly devoted to. His life was his family and work. His hobbies included most all sports. He enjoyed watching his children participate in many different athletics over the years. Ray enjoyed golfing along with being an all around sportsman that included hunting and fishing. Ray was pre-deceased by his parents, Chester and Rose Nowatzki; and his son, Michael Nowatzki. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Nowatzki of Wayland; his daughters, Sherri Nowatzki of St. Augustine, FL, Susanne Nowatzki (Rob Sailer) of Pittsford and Jennifer (William) Jerome of Dansville; his daughter-in-law Shelly Nowatzki of Wayland; his grandchildren, Kathleen Nowatzki, Michael Nowatzki and Briley and Adalynn Jerome; his siblings, Lucille Ruvio of Chili and John (Candy) Walega of FL; along with great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ray’s family and friends may call Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Ray at 11:00am Monday at St. Joseph’s Church in Wayland. Committal prayers, military honors and internment will take place immediately following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Wayland. Memorial contributions in Raymond L. Nowatzki’s memory may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572.