Robert W. Raney, Jr.

Our Hero and Our Dad, Robert W. Raney, Jr, 87, passed peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 18, 2012. His 5 loving daughters were by his side. They are: Darlene and Richard McKercher, of Harrisburg, NC, Kathleen Wallace (Dan Rutkowski) of Newark Valley, Cindy and Michael Finsel, Marlene and Charles Jewett, all of Concord, NC, and Louise and Daniel Truesdail of Richford. Also surviving are his sisters: Eleanor Slezak, Dorothy (Floyd) Creveling and sisters-in-law, Irene and Alyce Severson; his cherished grandchildren: Terri (Steven), Denise (Teri), Richard (Becky), BobbiJo, Shannon (Steve), Heather (Kevin), Kristopher (Joli), Nathan (Jessi), Brandie (Keith), Tera. Trevor (Victoria), Charlie, Rob (Tonia), BillieJo, April, Ben and Danny (Vicki); his great grandchildren: Isaac, Peter, Abby, Richie, Brett, Myranda, Reid, Cole, Mackenzie, Addisyn, David, Andrew, Emi, Allie, Jamison, Zach, Cory, Mason, Jordan, Crysta, Timothy, Aaron, Pascal, Isabelle, Daisy, Phillip, Nat and Danny; many nieces and nephews. Bob will also be missed by his very special and caring neighbors: Millie and Fay Cupp, Marty Thompson and Eileen, Janet Jordan, Penny Donnelly and his good friend Guy Rogers at Guthrie Clinic. He was also very grateful to Tioga County Home Health Services, most especially to Joann.Bob was predeceased by his parents: Hazel A. (Bender) and Robert W. Raney, Sr., his wife of 53 years, Esther L. (Severson) Raney, his brother Earl and wife Marilyn, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Otto and Hilda Simma, Lloyd and Charles Severson and Frank Slezak.He was a US Army Air Corp Veteran serving during WW II with the 587th bombardment squadron and was a continuous Life Member of American Legion Post 1700, Endicott and VFW Post 2332, Johnson City. For many years, he was an operating engineer with Local 410. He loved nature, a good laugh, practical jokes and story-telling and enjoyed hunting and fishing.His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3-5 PM at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 5 pm with celebrant Steve Lawrence officiating. Those wishing may kindly direct memorials to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Rd. Vestal, NY 13850 in memory of Robert W. Raney, Jr. Memories and condolences may be written in his guest book at macphersonfh.com