Raymond R. (Ray) Chamberlin

Raymond R. (Ray) Chamberlin of Geneseo, NY passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 93. Ray was born and raised in Buffalo and always stayed close to his roots.

In elementary school, he was seated alphabetically behind Sadie Boyd, which led to them being high school sweethearts, eventually marrying in 1953. At Sadie’s passing in 2020 they had been married 67 years. 

He was also predeceased by his parents, Dewitt and Leona, and two brothers, Dewitt and Daniel.

He is survived by his three children, Raymond {Lisa) Chamberlin of Geneseo, NY, Chris (Anne) Chamberlin of Lynchburg, VA, and Sharon (Dennis) McDermott of Colts Neck, NJ. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren- Merideth, Sydney, Mary Boyd, Raymond, and John Chamberlin, and William, Dennis and Catherine McDermott, and also four great grandchildren-Lucas, Vera, Anne Marie, and Nico. He is also survived by his sister Bonnie (Ken) Bestine, of Westfield, NY.

Ray graduated from East High School in 1949, earning a scholarship to the University of Buffalo, where he ran track, wrestled, and played football and baseball. He also captained the baseball team and was twice named captain of the football team.

After college Ray served in the US Navy for four years of active duty and would serve in the Naval Reserve until his retirement with the rank of Commander.

After the Navy, Ray had a long and distinguished career as a School Superintendent, first with the Keshequa School and finishing with the Caledonia Mumford School District.

Ray and Sadie retired to Conesus Lake and spent many happy years there. Active well into his 80’s, Ray particularly enjoyed his tennis matches with his good friends, and in the warmer months many tennis matches ended in cruises on Ray’s boat where tradition required serving Limburger cheese sandwiches along with rum and cokes. Ray was also a big Buffalo Bills fan, attending many home games over the years and remained ever hopeful for that Super Bowl win. Go Bills! 

Ray and Sadie also travelled extensively, with trips to the Middle East, Asia and numerous European countries. One of their favorite trips was to Rome where they enjoyed a private audience with Pope John Paul II.

Ray lived the last several years of his life at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, VA. The family gratefully appreciated the wonderful care he received there from the staff.

 A memorial service for Ray and Sadie will be held at Consuses Lake in the summer of 2025.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.