Obituary of Raymond M. Start

Raymond M. Start, Sr., 50 Jefferson Street, Westfield, formerly of Panama, passed away peacefully Saturday, February, 19, 2011, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Jamestown on August 15, 1929, the son of Harold L. and Winnifred Wright Start. He attended Celoron Schools, worked for Proto Tool for 27 years, and retired from Hopes Windows. Ray served as a Staff Sgt in the Army during the Korean conflict and in the Naval Reserve. He was a long time member of the Celoron Legion. Ray had a wicked sense of humor that stayed with him until the end. He loved life, family, and friends. He loved going to the casino, playing bingo, and he was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. He was awarded honorary alumni of the Panama Central School for his active years of running the marker chains at home football games. He is survived by a son Ray Jr. and three daughters: Arletta Diane Start, Cindy (John) Pierce, and Debbie (Ron) Hasson. A sister Arletta Cornell and sister-in-law Dee Start of Michigan. Nineteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Margaret Wheeler Start in 1987, a daughter Winnie Start in 1980, a granddaughter Tammy Fain in 1984, three brothers Harley Wheeler, Richard Start, Leon Start, a brother-in-law Gordy Cornell, and two sisters Leah Young and Mary Lyons. There will be memorial service to celebrate Ray's life on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ashville Fire Department, 5338 Stow Road, Stow, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to Hospice Chautauqua County 20 West Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 or Ashville Volunteer Fire Department, P O Box 129, Ashville, NY 14701.