Obituary of Richard G. Raitt

Richard G Raitt, 89, of New Hartford, NY, passed away peacefully after a life well lived on March 10, 2026. Born in Rochester, NY on August 25, 1936, he was a son of the late Richard G. Raitt Sr. and Katherine M. Carroll Raitt. Richard was educated in Rochester, NY where he met Carol Sue Raitt in third grade. She became the love of his life and they later married on August 1, 1959.

Richard graduated from McDonough School in McDonough, Maryland; he went on to pursue an educational path that earned him opportunities to learn at Hobart College, RIT, MVCC, Utica College, and several degree programs and special certificate programs. He was a talented athlete participating in football, wrestling, and the equestrian riding team in steeplechase. He also played lacrosse at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Richard proudly served his country in The United States Navy in active duty abroad the USS Yosemite AD-19 in Newport, Rhode Island.

Richard started his professional career with the Collegiate Cap and Gown Co. in Rochester, NY and later with Sears Roebuck. His love of sales & management led him to a lifetime career as a trusted real estate manager and broker and eventually started his own business as Raitt Realty Management Co. In retirement, Richard became a beloved school bus driver for Clinton Central Schools, his gentle demeanor and warm smile made him a favorite among the students on his route. He also volunteered in the elementary school assisting children in reading.

Richard was active within his community, he was the former President of the Clinton Lions Club, past chair for the Kirkland Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, past Treasurer Utica Board of Realtors, past member of the Clinton Fish and Game Club, Ziyara Temple (Ziyara Shriners), Skenandoa Club of Clinton, Clinton-Hampton Lodge #347, American Legion Post #1376, he was a member of the Stone Presbyterian Church in Clinton.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard loved hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and skiing. Richard had a zest for life, was kind-hearted, a great sense of humor, but most of all a philanthropist. He believed very strongly about donating and supporting good causes. He became a Shriners Clown with the Ziyara Zanies of Whitesboro, NY giving his time participating in special events, parades and children’s parties. Richard had many accomplishments in his lifetime, but his proudest moments were shared with his beloved wife Carol Sue, watching their children and grandchildren grow and spending time with family. He will always be affectionately known as “Red Dog”.

Richard is survived by his devoted daughters, Jennifer Raitt, of New Hartford, and Rebecca and Charles Burmaster of Erieville; his cherished grandchildren, Karlee and Paul Turner of Eagleville, TN; Gregg and Julia Burmaster of Ottawa ON; and Luciano Vallone of Boca Raton, FL. He is predecessor by his beloved wife Carol Sue Raitt.

Friends and family are invited to join a Memorial Service Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 at Stone Presbyterian Church, S. Park Row in Clinton. The family will receive guests from 10-11 until the service begins. Richard and Sue will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stone Presbyterian Church or Shriners Children’s Hospital.