Obituary of Raymond Pike

Raymond Pike, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 22 surrounded by family. Every so often God sends us a gift in the form of a very special person; a humble, gentle, generous soul that always puts the needs of others above their own. Raymond was one of those gifts. If you were one of his friends you were very blessed, but if you were lucky enough to be his family it was like you hit the lottery of life! Raymond, or Mike as he was known by many, was born on May 19, 1923 to parents Raymond and Frances Hicks Pike. He was a World War II veteran who served his country proud from 1941 to 1945 in the Army Air Corp. On February 4, 1945 while on leave, he married the love of his life and his wife of over 65 years, Charlotte Grosenbeck who survives at home with their dog Teddy who he adored. Raymond was predeceased by his son Stephen and by two brothers, Francis and Herbert. He is survived by his son Charles and wife Donna of Earlton, NY, his daughter Susan Pike of Wappingers Falls, NY, his son Thomas of Endicott, NY, his son John and wife Peggy of Red Hook, NY, his daughter Carol Versace of Poughkeepsie, NY, his daughter Ann Pallone of Pleasant Valley, NY, and his sister Louise Dalton of Poughkeepsie, NY. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many in-laws, nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly. Raymond would give anyone the shirt off his back; he loved his gardening and woodworking and made toys all year that he donated to Toys for Tots during the holidays. Many people have his handmade treasures that they will always cherish. We will love him forever and miss him until we meet again. Visitation will be Monday, September 27, from 4 to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY. The funeral will be Tuesday, September 28, at 10am at the funeral home with graveside services immediately after at St. Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie. Since Raymond was so selfless, in lieu of flowers you may make a donation to your favorite charity or animal shelter.