Obituary of Raymond N. Teator

DURHAM – Raymond N. Teator passed into God's eternal kingdom on May 18, 2016 at his home in Durham, New York. Born September 22, 1936 at the then Teator-Atkinson dairy farm of Durham, he was predeceased by strong and loving parents, Evelyn (Atkinson) Teator and Norman Teator, his siblings Shirley (Teator) Ritter and Howard Teator, and his niece Linda (Turner) Ruocco and many aunts, uncles and dear friends. He is survived by his sister Janet (Teator) Armstrong of Cornwallville and sister-in-law Stella Teator of Acra. Ray was a devoted husband to his wife of 39 years, Barbara (Kerr) Teator who passed away in 2005. Together they were caring and dedicated parents to Sharon (Teator) Hayner (Ken Hayner) and William Teator (Kim Parr Teator). Ray was a proud and loving grandfather to Jessica and Joshua Hayner of Halfmoon, and Kendra and Alexander Teator of Saratoga Springs. He is survived by a generation of nieces and nephews, Robert Armstrong, Jr. (Bonnie), Larry Armstrong (Michele), Claudia (Armstrong) Every (Gene), Jennifer (Armstrong) Ganzhorn, Gary Teator (Marjorie), Mark Teator (Pam), Darren Teator, Jay Teator and many grand nieces and nephews. Ray was a graduate of Greenville High School class of 1955 and the New York State Police Academy class of 1962. He served as a State Trooper until 1967 when starting an independent trucking business. Ray rejoined law enforcement in 1982 as Greene County Sheriff's Deputy serving until his retirement in 1997. Ray was a life member of the BPOE, Catskill Lodge. While never shy about expressing his opinion, Ray was always quick with wit, courteous toward the public he served, and ready to help those in need. Ray would hold court and make family, friends and happeners-by laugh. Known for telling it like it is, he was a staunch political observer supporting conservative candidates and causes, our individual liberties and holding a deep respect for those who serve in the military and law enforcement. He inspired an independent streak and "up by the boot straps" outlook with care and attention to the needs of your household, family and community. As a father and grandfather, underneath the tough exterior, he was always caring and concerned. From his childhood on the family farm, through time with beloved Barbara to helping his ailing father, wife, family and friends gone before him, Ray was a steady rock of support. There were few more devout lifelong Yankee and baseball fans than Ray. Probably only missing a few games per season, he could recite game scenarios, plays and Yankee lore from all the dynasty eras of the beloved Pinstripes. He will be missed and his many sayings, quips and traits reminisced over for years to come. Thank you for tolerating "such foolishness" as this tribute to your lasting legacy! Calling hours will be at A. J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083 this Monday, May 23rd from 4pm to 8pm. A funeral service in his honor will be held Tuesday, May 24th at 10 am at the funeral home with internment to follow at the Teator family plot in Potter Hollow Cemetery, New York. The family welcomes memorial contributions to the Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (www.nationalcops.org , C.O.P.S., PO Box 3199 Camdenton, MO 65020) supporting children and spouses of fallen law enforcement officers in Ray's honor. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.