Raymond E. Whitehead Jr., 85, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on July 22, 1939, in Lockport to the late Raymond E. and Violet May (Brown) Whitehead Sr. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years; Angeline (Paradise) Whitehead; sister Juanita wright.
Ray led a life full of service, adventure, and love. Ray’s passion for adventure began early in life; he was a standout scuba swimmer in high school and later was on the dive team for the local police department. He proudly served in the US Navy for 4 years, further instilling his sense of duty and discipline. After his military service, ray transitioned into a long and fulfilling career in law enforcement, including 25 years as a New York state correctional officer and also went through the police academy to pursue his passion for justice and served on the Middleport Police Department for 16 years. Ray’s career was not limited to law enforcement. He worked as a security officer at fisher price toys in Medina, and was also a security officer at Batavia downs.
Outside of his professional life, he achieved a personal milestone by obtaining his private pilot’s license. He was an avid hunter, swimmer and had a passion for tropical fish, feeding the birds in the backyard. Ray’s enthusiasm for shooting was also well-known, having ranked first place numerous times at the local gun range. Ray’s love for his family was unparalleled, and his greatest joy came from finding the love of his life on a blind date at a sock hop. He and his beloved wife Angie, raised 3 beautiful daughters. He also enjoyed quality time with his family in the great outdoors tent camping to numerous parks. He was also a proud Daschund lover, and his home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of dogs. He was a snowbird and traveled to Florida during the winter months and enjoyed the sunshine and warmth with family and friends.
Ray will be remembered for his integrity, love, and devotion to those he cherished. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.
He is survived by his 3 daughters; Diane(Norman) Hubbard of Batavia, Donna (Mark) Demarzio of Inverness FL, Debbie (Patrick) Accetta of Niagara Falls; siblings Marsha Allen, Karen Godin, and Susan Testa; 9 grandchildren,14 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Graveside Service with military honors will take place on Monday February 24, 2025 at Western New York National Cemetery 1254 Indian Falls Rd. Corfu, NY 14036. Anyone planning on attending this service, please arrive at the cemetery at 10:45AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee county animal shelter https://www.vo14animals.org/ . To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329 -333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.
