Raymond N. Gale

Raymond N. Gale, 79, of Slingerlands, left to be with the Lord on February 6, 2011 following a long, tough battle with prostate cancer. He slipped peacefully away Sunday morning after a final night in the loving presence of his wife, MaryEllen, and daughter, Susan.
Born July 16, 1931 in Englewood, New Jersey, Ray was the son of the late Raymond N. Sr. and Ethel Specht Gale. He graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1949, and earned a B.S. in Economics from Dartmouth College in 1954. Upon graduation, he received a commission of ensign in the U.S. Navy. His two years of service began in Key West, Florida, where he studied anti-submarine warfare. He worked for many years as a sales executive and branch manager for Bruning Corp.
Ray, known since boyhood as "Skip," earned his sea legs at an early age. He grew up on the Jersey Shore, spending his summer dawns crabbing and fishing in his rowboat before heading to his job as a Sea Girt lifeguard. His passion for fishing continued throughout his life, and included landing King Salmon in Alaska. Ray also enjoyed golf, sports and music. He was a long-time member of Normanside Country Club, and First Presbyterian Church of Schenectady. He loved the Lord, and he loved his family. He refused to let his declining health stop him from attending church, singing in the choir, or travelling long distances to see his children and grandchildren. Even through great pain, Ray never lost his smile, sense of humor, twinkle in his eye, or his faith. These are the gifts he gave as he prepared for his final journey.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Community Hospice and the Stratton VA for their compassionate help and care.
In addition to his beloved wife of 26 years, Ray is survived by his sister, Nancy Harper (Don Harper) of Palm City, Florida; three children, Raymond "Chip" Gale (Janelle Gale) of San Mateo, CA, Susan Gale (Steve Ruppenthal) of Albany , NY and Linda Gale(Andrew Burgess) of Fairbanks, AK; two stepchildren, Steve Tozer of Scotia, NY and Pat Sittser (Jerry Sittser) of Spokane, WA; nine grandchildren, and five nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, 115 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12305. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray's memory to the First Presbyterian Church choir.