Robert Ward Raynor
1933-2026
Robert Ward Raynor departed this life early Friday morning, October 30, 2026.
Born Robert Ward Raynor in Jamaica, Queens, Long Island, N.Y. on March 7, 1933 to Gertrude May and Frederick Joseph Raynor. Graduated Mepham High School where Dad always said he’d gotten a college education in June 1950.
Following his brother and his father before him, Dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1951 and served until May 1955 rising to the rank of Radioman, Second Class.
Married Joan Marie Boyle of Freeport, N.Y. February 1, 1958. The two met while working at Jones Beach, L.I. They were married 65 years at the time of Joan’s death in November 2023.
Never one to leave a job undone, Dad was always hard-working, keeping an ever-watchful eye on the future.
After becoming a parent of three, he dedicated himself to his career as a salesman of office supplies and took an active role in local politics in Smithtown, N.Y. during the late 1970s and 1980s. He was Councilman for the Town of Smithtown, N.Y., a member of American Legion #944, member of the Chamber of Commerce, and Founder and Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 539 in N.Y.
He loved a good laugh, movies, cooking, and staying on top of current events. Known to ask complete strangers about their financial investment strategies, even offering free advice to help guide them, Dad diligently made smart money choices and stayed on top of the latest financial advice at all times. His hobbies included woodworking (especially Colonial-style wood chests) and feeding tons of stray and other neighborhood cats. Both he and his wife were life-long animal lovers.
Always an amazing storyteller, one of his fondest memories was of meeting his high school teacher, Miss Ruth Nickerson, completely by surprise at the Tomb of Napoleon in Paris while he happened to be there on shore leave. The two went on to have a celebratory drink at a cafe before she and her sister left for Rome, and Bob admired and talked about her wistfully to his last days.
Like the best mariners, Dad always plotted his own course. Like the Radioman he was, he anticipated things and planned for them.
He is survived by his three children, Bob, Amy, and Pattie; six grandchildren, and his cherished cat, MooMoo. He is reunited in heaven with his sweetheart Joan, his big brother Fred, big sister Gertrude and his Mom and Dad.
He was an original. He was stalwart and true. He will be keenly missed.
Fair winds and following seas, Dad.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
