Raymond F. Hanley's Obituary
Raymond F. Hanley, of DeWitt, NY, passed away at Upstate Community Hospital on May 19, 2026, after a short illness. He was 101 years of age. He was born in Syracuse on January 3, 1925, to Theresa Ohmann and Martin Hanley. Ray was raised on the North Side of Syracuse. He attended Assumption Academy. While living on the North Side, he made many lifelong friends including his future wife, Clara. Later, his family moved to the West Side. He graduated from Vocational High School.
Ray served in the Navy during World War II, and was primarily stationed in Recife, Brazil. Ray and Clara married in 1945. In 1951, Ray became an electrician and a member of the IBEW Local 43 Electrical Union. He spent his career working with Jones Electric where he specialized in switchgear testing and maintenance throughout New York State.
Ray and Clara had three children; Thomas, Maureen and Kathy. The family lived in DeWitt in the house that Ray designed and built. They led a very active life and were avid dancers into their 90s. They belonged to the Lamp Lighters and Top Hats Dance Clubs. They were devoted members of Abundant Life Christian Center. Throughout their life, their journeys took them throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Ray was known to be a caretaker. It was not uncommon for him to drop everything to help someone in need. It was said that “Ray was always a phone call away.” He was also known to be quite a character. He was outgoing. Ray was always speaking his mind, and made people laugh right up until the end.
Ray was predeceased by his wife of 76 years, Clara; his son Thomas, his parents, sister Mary Ellen, and brothers James and John.
Ray is survived by his two daughters, Maureen and Kathy; granddaughters, Lauren and Lindsay (Mark) Gauthier, grandson Matthew Burns, and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M, immediately followed by a funeral service at 12:00 Noon at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckly Road) in North Syracuse. Burial following the service will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Access CNY, 1603 Court St. Syracuse, NY 13208.
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