Raymond Francis Marsh
WILTON — Raymond Francis Marsh of Saratoga Springs passed away peacefully, with his wife Linda by his side, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital after a short illness, one day after his 74th birthday.
Ray was born in Hudson, NY on August 27, 1950, the son of Francis G. Marsh and Ann Marie (West) Marsh, who predeceased him. He leaves behind his wife and partner of 32 years, Linda Crawford Marsh and daughter Ashley Blair, both of Saratoga Springs. He is also survived by his two sisters, Kathleen Marsh Stevenson (Edward Stevenson) of Punta Gorda FL, and Janet Marsh Ebel (Bill Ebel) of Hudson, NY and brother James E Marsh (Sue Brady Marsh) of Hurley, NY. Ray was predeceased by his brother Daniel P. Marsh.
He also leaves behind nephews Michael Stevenson, Alexander Ebel, Jacob Ebel and Jonathon Marsh and nieces Lauren Stevenson, Maura Ebel, Catherine Marsh, Caelan Marsh, Samantha Marsh, and Elizabeth Marsh, and numerous cousins.
Ray attended St. Mary’s Academy in Hudson, NY, where he played CYO, JV and Varsity basketball, graduating as a member of the Class of 1968.
Following graduation Ray attended Hudson Valley CC and Columbia-Greene CC, where he was instrumental in helping to organize the first basketball team. Following college, he worked for the Universal Atlas Cement Company and helped his parents operate Sullivan’s Stationery store on Warren Street in Hudson before embarking on a distinguished four-decade long career in the Financial Services industry, working for companies including Security Pacific, Travelers, AIG, Bank of America, and EZ Own Auto, from where he retired.
Ray had a lifelong interest in woodworking and created numerous gifts for friends and family from his home-based shop. He enjoyed boating on Saratoga Lake and closely followed the NY Yankees, NY Jets and Boston Celtics. It wasn’t until his mid-20’s that he picked up the golfing bug and thoroughly enjoyed playing in tournaments with his friends and participated in numerous golf leagues.
Later in life, Ray embraced the Florida lifestyle when he and Linda bought a winter home in Punta Gorda, Florida near many friends, relatives and golfing buddies. From this winter home base, he could extend his golfing season, take side trips to the Florida Keys and of course relax and enjoy Sunday afternoons at TT’s. He enjoyed cruises and trips to Ireland. Ray was a member of the Columbia County Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Northeast Woodworkers Association and a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Ray easily made many new friends during his lifetime, but also kept many lifelong childhood friends close, all of whom cherished his friendship, quick wit and fun-loving nature, all of whom will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, Ray and Linda would like you to consider a gift to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/) or the American Pancreatic Association (apa@apapancreas.org) or any of the related organizations.
Services will be private, and a memorial service is being planned at a future date.
For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.