Raymond Martin McQueen, 86, resident of Manor Hills, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Highland Park Health Care Center after a two month battle with Covid. He was born on August 29, 1934 in Scio, the son (and only child of) Martin and Genevieve McQueen. Ray grew up in Scio, and attended Scio Central School. While in school he played soccer and basketball. After graduating, in January of 1953, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. That was where he met his future wife, Rafaela and step-daughter Ana. They were married in the beautiful and romantic city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. While stationed in Puerto Rice, they had a daughter – Cindy. Ray continued to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard until October of 1961.
After his honorable discharge, Ray and his family relocated to Scio, and then moved to Wellsville. Ray temporarily drove trucks for Benjamin Smith until he began his career with the Wellsville Police Department in 1961. In May of 1972, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was assigned to be the local U.S. Navy Recruiter for the Wellsville area, where he recruited several young men. In 1984 he reenlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard out of Hornell Armory and served for six years. In the Summer of 1986, he retired from Wellsville P.D. after twenty-five years of service where had been known and loved by many. After his retirement, Ray then went to work as a courier for Fleet Bank, and served as a parking attendant for Jones Memorial Hospital.
Once Rafaela retired, they began spending summers at Clute Park on Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, NY. They spent over twenty summers there enjoying the company of their family and many friends. Their grandsons recall many of their childhood memories with “Nana” and “Papa” in Watkins Glen. Their deck was also the spot to gather for morning coffee and a laugh or two to start the day. Ray had a great sense of humor and was always good for a joke. The couple also spent some winter months in Puerto Rico where they enjoyed many happy times with family and friends.
Ray was a member of the American Legion, and of the Elks in Wellsville and Watkins Glen. In earlier years he had been a member of Duke Hose Co. He loved turkey and deer hunting and also loved fishing at Sandy Pond on Lake Ontario. He was a true Bills and Sabres fan; he also loved baseball and enjoyed routing for any team that was playing the Yankees! Ray and Rafaela loved watching their grandsons, Calvin and Mario, play hockey for the Olean Arrows and never missed a game as the boys' biggest fans.
Ray is survived by: two daughters, Cindy (Rand) Rocchio of Wellsville, and Ana (Jorge) Ramos of Carolina, Puerto Rico; four grandsons, Georgie (Yadira) Ramos of Dover, DE, Joksan Ramos of Condado, Puerto Rico, Calvin Rocchio of Berkeley, CA, and Mario Rocchio of Rochester, NY; two great-grandaughters, Yadiana and Yanialis of Dover, DE; and several cousins. Ray will remain in our hearts as a very devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
A memorial service is not being planned at this time due to Covid restrictions and the distance of family, although one may be announced at a future date. Please consider memorial donations to the Bath V.A. Voluntary Services. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
