Raymond J. Holderman

Raymond James Holderman passed away on March 29, 2021, at his home in Eastchester, New York after a long illness. Raymond was born and raised in Brooklyn and eventually moved to Hawthorne, New York and was a proud parishioner of Holy Rosary Parish. He also lived in Hemlock Farms, Lord’s Valley Pennsylvania and Venice, Florida for approximately 25 years before moving back to Westchester County. Raymond leaves behind his loving wife; Eileen Ann (Shea) Holderman of almost 62 years. Raymond was the loving son of the late Beatrice Seiler and James Vincent Holderman. In his youth, Raymond was also predeceased by a brother William and twin infant brothers, all passing away in the same year. Raymond leaves behind his four children Jeanne (Richard) Morgante, Christine (Peter) Telesco, James (Janice) Holderman and Maureen (Todd) Caracci and his four grandchildren Scott and Melissa Caracci, Amanda Morgante and Matthew Holderman. He also leaves behind many friends from Hawthorne, Venice and Lord’s Valley, who will miss him greatly.

Raymond was very proud of his Brooklyn roots and had many wonderful stories to tell about his life growing up and living there. One thing he was very proud of was becoming an Eagle Scout and later on serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Raymond served from 1953 to 195S and was stationed in Straubing Germany and patrolled the Czechoslovakia border, near the town of Lam. He obtained the rank of Corporal (T) with the 6 h Army Battalion and was honorably discharged with distinction. He instilled in his children the values of honor & devotion to our great nation and to his Irish and German Heritage that he was so proud of as well.

On October 24, 1959 he married Eileen A. Shea and they were married at Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn after meeting at a dance in Manhattan. The love of dancing was something they continued to enjoy during their lives together and prior to his hemorrhagic stroke in June 2017. You could always find Ray and Eileen on the dance floor at the Edelweiss and St. Patrick’s Day dances.

Raymond had a love of football and was a very talented athlete. He was scouted by the New York Giants and played semi-professional football while living in Brooklyn. The love of the game continued his entire life with his great devotion to Notre Dame Football and the Fighting Irish. After returned from Germany, Raymond worked for Allied Airlines at John F. Kennedy Airport and one highlight he was sure to share with you, was the time he met President Kennedy and he came over to shake his hand to thank him for his service. He eventually took a job with The New York City Housing Authority and was working at the Edenwald Housing Projects in the Bronx as a superintendent and eventually accepted a promotion as a building inspector, prior to retiring in 1994.

Raymond loved to travel, whether it was to the Jersey Shore, Smallwood, Germany or Florida. He and his wife Eileen loved to take cruises and enjoy themselves with their friends and family. Raymond was also very devoted to his faith and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, rising to the rank of 4th degree Knight. He was also a talented woodworker and incorporated that talent to make dollhouse and Jesus crosses that were sold to raise money for various charities. He was a good and faithful servant and will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 62 years and his family; and many friends. May God Rest your soul.

In addition the family would like to recognize the devoted and loving women, Nidie Campbell and Juanita Morris; who took care of Raymond every day for the last 17 months. And also to thank Liz Dulgarian for her care while they lived in Pennsylvania. As well as the many doctors and compassionate medical professionals that helped with his care over the past several years. Their devotion and care will never be forgotten and was gratefully appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The National Right to Life; www.nrlc.org or Operation Smile www.operationsmile.org.

Liturgy of the word Thursday April 1, 2021 10AM St. Pius X Church. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery Valhalla NY. Visitation Wednesday March 31, 2021 4-7PM at Bennett Funeral Home 824 Scarsdale Ave Scarsdale NY 10583.