Raymond Anthony Scarchilli Jr.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Raymond (“Ray”) Scarchilli, Jr. passed away much too soon in Montgomery, New York. Ray was born in Poughkeepsie, NY to Raymond and Julia (Spadaro) Scarchilli on July 28, 1954. Raymond graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappinger Falls, NY and went on to play college basketball for Roger Williams University and the University of Maine at Machias. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Florida State University.

After college Ray returned to New York and worked for 25 years as a manager at Hungry Harry’s Deli in Poughkeepsie, NY. Ray also worked at Panera Bread in Newburgh, NY and in retirement worked for Walmart in Fishkill, NY. Ray continued to play basketball for many years in local Poughkeepsie leagues.

Ray’s ability to be content was one of his most admirable traits as was his love and pride for his family. Ray campaigned vigorously with all of his nieces and nephews for the title of Favorite Uncle. He was known to pay real money to buy fake “Play-doh” food they made him. He brought fun, laughter and a side of shrimp cocktail to every family event. Time with his family was typically spent playing cards or games including Hot/Cold, Spoons and I Doubt it. Pulling pranks, watching Get Smart and sports on TV (especially the Yankees), and entering any sports pool possible were some things he loved.

Many of his family considered Ray to be “Grandpa Jr.” mostly because of his stubbornness in beliefs and quirky habits. For example, Ray died while still of the unshakeable belief that tightening his gas cap past one click would cause his check engine light to come on. Another quirk was when Ray would visit his family two hours upstate; he would pack his expired eggs and NoDoz to drive north for an hour, pull off to take a nap and then drive the rest of the way.

Helping Ray with electronics was like an Olympic sport for the rest of the family. He learned he could locate his phone with his computer, giving him a new hobby where he would often check to make sure the locator worked even though the phone was usually in the same room with him.

Ray loved his four sisters as much as White House Subs and the pai gow tables in Atlantic City. Like many brothers, Ray learned at an early age how to make them laugh and antagonize them. In adulthood he regularly utilized his skills to antagonize his brother-in-law Paul. Ray still owes hundreds of tacos from lost golf bets to nephew-in-law Jason. He was known to be a massive overtipper at Atlantic City buffets. Long before the Seinfeld episode, Ray had the idea to drive 5 cent cans from NY to Michigan to get the 10 cent deposit. Ray hated universal truths and would spend hours thinking up obscure and unlikely situations that would make the “truth” untrue. But most of all, Ray was known to be a kind and caring brother, uncle and friend who will be missed dearly and will live in our hearts forever.

Ray was predeceased by his parents and his brothers-in-law William Yanulavich and Peter Puricelli. He is survived by his loving sisters, Valerie (Danny) Leone of Franklin, MA; Mary Ann Puricelli of South Glens Falls, NY; Susanne Scarchilli of Queensbury, NY; and Jane (Paul) Nienstadt of Washingtonville, NY. He is also survived by his many favorite nieces and nephews, niece Nancy (Jason) Vilander; nephew Michael (Roxanne) Leone; nephew Kevin (Christi) Yanulavich; niece Aimee (Tom) Baroni; nieces Caryn and Kelli Nienstadt and nephew Bryan Nienstadt. He is also survived by his great-nieces and nephews Natalie and Nathan Vilander; Anthony, Julia and Jenna Leone; and Mackenzie and Emily Baroni. Ray is also remembered by his closest friends Andy Jacobs and Mark Caprara as well as numerous cousins, friends and former colleagues.

Anyone who knew Ray was aware that he had a big heart, sadly, we did not know it was an enlarged heart. The family extends a special thank you to the Village of Montgomery Police and all of the emergency services who assisted when he passed.

Should friends desire, contributions in Ray’s name may be sent to: Food For Kids, 2 Father Tierney Cir, Washingtonville, NY 10992.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10:00 am at St Mary’s Church, 42 Goshen Ave, Washingtonville, NY 10992.

Arrangements are under the care of David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, Washingtonville, NY.