Raymond Joseph St. George

Raymond  Joseph  "Ray" St. George, 86, passed away on February 14, 2016. Born in Ware Ma. on August 10, 1929 son of the late Noah Napoleon "Nap" and Madeline (McMahon) St. George, he resided in town for over 50 years, before moving to Maine and living there for many years. In 2001 he and his wife Roseann retired to Leesburg FL, where they shared many happy years together. Ray attended Ware Public Schools, graduating in 1947. While in high school he excelled in varsity football, basketball and baseball. After high school he attended Northampton Commercial College and Williams College studying finance and banking. Upon graduating he began his career at the Ware Trust Co., where he was employed for almost 40 years, ultimately achieving the position of Executive Vice President and Treasurer. While living in Maine, he worked for the Maine Turnpike Authority, earning the name of "the friendliest toll taker ever". Ray proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War, and was instrumental in establishing the Ware Detachment of  Marine Corps League Post. He was a passionate member of many local, national and international civic and charitable orginizations, including the Ware Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, the Salvation Army, the American Heart Assoc., and the March of Dimes. Ray loved animals, especially dogs, gardening, traveling, learning about new and different cultures and especially his wife's cooking. He leaves his devoted wife Roseann (O'Connor) St. George, three cherished daughters, Wendy (St.George) Piche and her husband Leo "Fred" of Ware, Cindy St. George of South Hadley and  Ginny St. George and her longtime companion and fiancé David Ferris of Ludlow, a beloved son Kevin Samson of Ware, four cherished grandchildren survive Ray, Nicholas Martowski and his wife Seda of Newtonville , Evan St.George  of Watertown, Jules Martowski of Waco TX, and Carolyn Piche of Ware. Additionally he is survived by his loving brother, Richard St.George of Ware and many dear nieces and nephews . Besides by his parents Ray was predeceased by a son Guy Samson, his sister Alice Sloat, and his nephew and godson Philip Sloat. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and by many caring and supportive friends in Leesburg FL. On Saturday April 9th at 11 AM a graveside service , with Military Honors, for family and friends will be held in New St. William Cemetery, Ware MA. Donations may be made in Ray's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Raymond St. George to support cancer research and patient care at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston MA 02284 or at www.dana-Farber.org/gift .