Obituary of Raymond Rio

Raymond S. Rio, 88, died Saturday, June 27, 2009 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie after a brief illness. Born in the Bronx on April 19, 1921, he was the son of the late Sophie and Tom Rio. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie. Survivors include his sister, Alma and her husband, Dominic Scotto of Plainview, NY; his daughters, Carolyn Rio and her companion, Dennis Harris of W. Bridgewater, MA; Barbara Rio and her companion, Shelley Glick of Albany; his granddaughters, Sonya and Alexandra; as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Ray was a gentle soul who loved all of nature. His fondest memories were of summers spent fishing, crabbing and clamming in E. Patchogue, Long Island. He was employed as a tool and die maker for several companies until hired at IBM, where he worked for almost 20 years until retiring in 1985. He never stopped learning, reading the New York Times everyday until the day he died. Ray was a craftsman and artist of the highest quality - accomplished in antique clock and watch repair, clockmaking, woodworking and photography. One of his clocks, made completely of wooden works, was displayed in the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT. He also built a Skeleton clock which was featured on the cover of the Journal of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors - an organization of which he was an active member. He was frequently invited to present on his work at the Mid-Hudson Chapter meetings of the NAWCC. The family would especially like to thank his friends Al Mack, Elena McHerron and Bob Malinowski for all their kindness and generous assistance. A private memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make contributions in his name can contribute to the Nature Conservatory or Meals on Wheels of Wappingers Falls or the charity of their choice. Arrangements are under the directions of Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie