Raymond Dewey Crofoot
- Robert D. Gray
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
9/1/25
Raymond Dewey Crofoot, 80, of Skaneateles, died peacefully at home on September 1, 2025. He was born July 14, 1945, to Dewey and Louise Crofoot.
Ray, the son of a career Army officer, spent his early years relocating often with his family. He graduated from Nuremberg American High School in Germany, where he was a standout football player and heavyweight wrestler. As an adult, Ray settled in Fulton, NY, where he married and raised his family.
He worked for many years as a purchasing manager for Anheuser-Busch and eventually was tasked with working on special projects in St. Louis, MO. Ray retired in 2000.
Ray enjoyed gardening, playing cards, hiking, fishing, cross- country skiing, and canoeing. He was well known for his “wander-abouts”, exploring every possible back road. Ray enjoyed 13 years volunteering as a cafeteria cashier at Auburn Memorial Hospital. He was a driver for Meals on Wheels and served on the Skaneateles Presbyterian Manor Board.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Deborah McLear; son Steven (Heather); grandchildren Jeffrey (Alessa), Ryanne, Bradley (Imani) Crofoot, Ahnna, and Sophia Parkhurst; sister Gerry Lingo (Johnny); brother Michael; 4 great grandchildren; 2 nieces, and his former wife Jill Pratt.
He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Laurie Parkhurst.
It was Ray’s wish to donate his body to Upstate Medical University, The Anatomical Gift Program. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 20th, 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles with a reception to follow.
To honor Ray’s memory, please consider donating to the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, where Ray was a member, or Hospice of CNY, which took such good care of him in his final days.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Ray and I worked at Black Clawson in Fulton NY for a while before his Miller Brewing days. I remember his energy and willingness to help me with purchasing questions. RIP Ray.
Chuck Hubbard in SC.
Yes, yes.....oh yes, Ray was one of the good guys at NHS, and at subsequent high school reunions following. A good many years ago, a Metis artist taught me something about death and dying. Said Martin Dunn: "Nothing is ever lost, it's all still here. It's here. Remember. That's how you know." I am remembering Ray. Thank you, good man. Thank you, your friend-for-life, Miki
Ray and I were the best of friends, arriving in Erlangen Germany att the same time. We lived in the same stairwell and went tp the same school. We sat together on the school bus and Sang along to the radio together. On
Saturday we would take the streetcar downtown and eat at our favorite bakery aand gushed over modern furniture together. We were both from Oklahoma and met up. with our. Spouses in Tulsa. Ray was a great guy and a dear friend!
Our family is so sorry to learn of Ray's passing!
Ray devoted so many years to serving the community and First Presbyterian Church. We will never forget the kindness and friendship he and Deb shared with Phyllis Clark and our family. Phyllis always knew she could count on them for anything throughout the years. Both Ray and Debi have truly been part of our family.
We will always hold dear the memories of Ray and Deb out on Tampa Bay, shrimping with smiles and laughter, and later welcoming us to their campground for an unforgettable Easter feast cooked on their grill outside their camper, followed by games of Bocce Ball that brought everyone together.
We hope Deb and Ray’s family…
When we were young, we had some great times at the Hillick farm, especially building the fence around the farm,, I will always remember our horseback riding journeys. We had many interesting conversation about life as a teen-ager.. So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. His cousin, Tom Brown