Obituary of Raymond J Romanus Jr.

Raymond J. Romanus Jr., 62, of State Route 5, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2010 with his family by his side. He was born in New Hartford on January 18, 1948 to the late Raymond J. and Ellen Acee Romanus Sr. Ray attended Clark Mills and New Hartford Schools where he wrestled and played football. He left school to join his father at Yorkville Auto Sales. After many years in the family business, Ray opened Bristol Auto Sales. Ever since his childhood, Ray would spend summers in the Thousand Islands with his family. He always looked forward to the fishing trips with family and friends and was the one who taught all the kids how to fish. Ray was not a morning person, but became one while he enjoyed coffee at Byrne Dairy with friends and acquaintances. He was also a member of the Clinton Youth Hockey Association. He is survived by his other half, Wendy Higgins; his children, Kellie Romanus of Massachusetts, Raymond III and his wife Kimberly of Deerfield, Ryan, Kristy and Steven Higgins of Clinton; his grandchild, Luca; a sister, three brothers and their spouses, Joan and Edward Freeman of New Hartford, Richard and Nancy Romanus of VA and Robert Romanus of New Hartford; his nieces and a nephew, Renee, Jennifer, Jessica, Stephanie, Ricky and Trisha; and his former wife, Marie Romanus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Monday, December 13, 2010 at Church of the Annunciation, Clark Mills. Friends are invited to call Sunday from 3-6pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St, Clinton. In keeping with Ray's wishes, he will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to a college fund for his children. The family thanks everyone for their support, especially the nurses and staff at Faxton-St. Luke's ICU for the special care given to Ray.