Obituary of Ronald (Ron) W. Raymer, Sr.

     Mr. Ronald (Ron) W. Raymer, Sr., 93, a resident of the Sequoia Cottage at Sitrin Health Care Center in New Hartford, formerly of Deerfield, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the nursing home with his loving family by his side.

     Ronald was born in Utica on December 26, 1931, the son of William and Helen (Essel) Raymer and stepson of James Franke. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Ronald proudly enlisted in the US Army in 1950, serving in Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953, at which time, he enrolled in the Mohawk Technical Institute.  At one time, Ron was married to Janet (Barone) Raymer. In 1992, he married Barbara Bahr, and the couple shared a devoted union of 26 years, until Barbara’s death in 2018. In 1955, Ron began his career, as an apprentice, with National Cash Register Co. in Utica, retiring as Field Engineering Manager after 39 years of dedicated service. After retirement, Ron went to work in the maintenance department at the St. Luke’s Home in New Hartford.  Ron was an avid runner, completing many Boilermaker Road Races and marathons, including the New York, Boston and Marine Corps Marathons. He enjoyed canoeing, completing many trips through the Fulton Chain and the Bog River Flow. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a former Boy Scout Leader; a member of American Legion Post 1376 in New Hartford and was of the Catholic faith.

    Mr. Raymer is survived by his daughter, Julie Raymer of Deerfield; two sons and daughters-in-law, James and Carmelita Raymer of Utica and Ronald W., Jr. and Olivia Raymer of Cassville; six cherished grandchildren, Joseph Durse, Adana Durse, James (Cristina) Raymer, Ronald W. (Frida) Raymer, III, Michelle Raymer and Mark (Amanda) Raymer; sister-in-law, Dena Raymer of New Hartford as well as five adored great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Mark Raymer; two brothers, William Raymer and Jack (Joyce) Raymer and one sister, Suzanne Bell.

     Visitation for family and friends is Monday, February 24, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a service at 6:00 PM at the conclusion of the visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Ron’s entombment on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery, 1500 Champlin Ave., Yorkville. Those wishing to donate in Ron’s memory, please consider the Sitrin Health Care Center, 2150 Tilden Ave., New Hartford, NY 13413 or American Legion Post 1376, 8616 Clinton St., New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

     Mr. Raymer’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chase and Dr. Pylman as well as the staff of the Sitrin Health Care Center, especially Kennesha and Melissa, for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Ron.