Obituary of Raymond R. Dolfinger

Raymond R. Dolfinger, Sr. of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Thursday, June 26, 2014 at home. He was 86. Son of the late Frank and Anna Richardson Dolfinger, he was born on April 2, 1928 in Fishkill. He was preceded in death by his wife Katherine in January of 1987. He married Sheila Rosewhite on May 20, 1989 at Zion Episcopal Church in Wappingers Falls; Mrs. Rosewhite-Dolfinger survives at home. Ray attended Wappingers schools. He went on to serve his country in the United States Navy in 1946. After his honorable discharged, he returned home to make a family and career for himself. He worked as a senior research technician at Texaco in Glenham, until his retirement. He belonged to the Texaco Retirees Club where he would call other members to arrange different events. A 65 year member of Zion Episcopal Church in Wappingers Falls, Ray was very active in the church. He was a past verger, an usher and secretary of their Men's Club. In his spare time, he was an advocate for Dutchess County ARC. He also had a love for horseshoes and played them well. He always enjoyed a good challenge. Ray had an immense love for all animals. He was predeceased by many dogs, but is survived by his beloved cats, as well as all the wildlife that surrounded his home that he enjoyed so much; animals have always been an important part of his life. In addition to his wife, Sheila, survivors include his daughters, Nancy Huntley and her companion, Anthony Brown of High point, NC, and Cynthia Griffin and her husband, Wayne of Beacon; brother, Clifford Dolfinger of Fishkill; sisters, Jane Atkins of Fishkill, and Margaret Spear and her husband, Joe of Lusby, MD; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his first wife Katherine, he was predeceased by his son, Raymond Dolfinger, Jr.; his brothers, Louis Dolfinger and Frank Dolfinger, Jr.; and his sisters, Anna May Dolfinger and Helen Acoo. Family will receive friends on Monday, June 30, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place in Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray's name to Zion Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or DCSPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.