Raymond F. Aunchman was a son of the late William and Mary E. Wells Aunchman. Ray served in the United States Army during WWII and is a member of WWII 1st Infantry Division known as the "Fighting First" or "the Big Red One." He proudly served his country in North Africa, Sicily, England and France. On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), he was part of the invasion of Omaha Beach for which he received a Purple Heart. Upon return to civilian life, he attended and graduated from the Veteran's Vocational School (Hudson Valley Community College) in electronics and repair. Raymond met the love of his life at Guptill's Arena, and on July 25, 1952, married Theresa Jean Brassard, whom he shared 57 years of marriage. At the time of his death, they were just one day short of the their 58th anniversary. Ray settled in Rotterdam and was employed for 13 years for Baker's Repair, and then was employed as a truck mechanic for Knickerbocker and NY Telephone, retiring as a manager. Ray was a communicant of St. Gabriel's Church and served as an usher for many years. He enjoyed nature and fishing . He liked repairing electronics, motors and cars. He also enjoyed woodworking. Ray built a large HO train village in his home that his grandchildren loved. He love to sing old favorites while playing the organ. Ray especially loved listening to big band music from the 1940s and 1950s. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and made many trips across the U.S. One of his last projects was to research the family genealogy. He approached problems as a challenge and would help family and friends whenever he could. Ray is survived by his wife; daughter; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Lucille Aunchman and Katherine Cecilla Aunchman Deschense, and two brothers, William Joseph Aunchman and Bernard Edward Aunchman.
(Information paraphrased from The Daily Gazette) 7/26/11