Fort Edward

Raymond J. Lacque, Jr., passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2013, with his loving family by his side.

Ray was born the son of Raymond J. and Josephine Hughes Lacque on August 9, 1947 and was a lifelong resident of Fort Edward. He graduated from Fort Edward High School, class of 1965, and Adirondack Community College in 1967, where he earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University, Murray, KY in 1969.

Ray married the love of his life, Donna Roberts, on December 23, 1967 in St. Paul’s Church, Hudson Falls with the Rev. Leo Marcil officiating. Ray and Donna were together for 50 years meeting their junior year in high school, and celebrated 45 years of marriage in December 2012. Following their retirement, they enjoyed three years as snowbirds in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Ray was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church, Fort Edward where he served as an altar boy in his youth, and most recently as an adult altar server. He was a high school religious education instructor for many years.

Ray retired in June 2008, following 30 years employment as the Water Superintendent for the Village of Fort Edward. He also¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ served as Town Justice and Acting Village Justice for 24 years before retiring in December 2008. For several years, he served as Treasurer on the Board Directors of the Rogers Island Visitor Center. He was a member of the Board of Education of the Fort Edward Union Free School District for eight years. Ray was also a member of various officiating organizations including high school boys’ basketball, baseball and football, as well as girls’ volleyball, softball and basketball.

Ray was a man passionate about his family and friends, his church, community and country. He followed his children during their youth in various sporting organizations including Pop Warner and Little League, where he was elected to various positions. He helped coach several teams with his best friend, Skip Cornell. When the Cornell children became active in various high school sports and activities, the Lacque family was their best rooting section. Ray and Skip had many adventures together which have become fond memories for both families. Their most recent endeavor was the co-founding of the Washington County Tea Party Patriots of New York. Concerned with the current trend of the country, Ray and Skip spent the last three years forming this organization to motivate and educate other concerned Americans. During this time, Ray and Donna were fortunate to meet many wonderful people that have become their extended family. “Ray’s girls” became a very active group enabling the organization to move forward. The concern and support from WCTPP members during Ray’s illness has been deeply appreciated.

Ray, Donna and their children enjoyed many years of vacationing and cook-outs at the home of Ray’s ‘sister,’ Sandy Dickinson, and her husband, Steve. Ray and Sandy were very close and have many fond memories of growing up together in Fort Edward, and later years of raising their children. Vacations to Maine with Ray and Sandy’s parents were an annual event that continues to provide stories that have been passed down to children and grandchildren. Ray and Steve were like brothers with Steve given the honorary title of President and Ray, his General. Sandy and Steve accompanied Ray and Donna to all Ray’s doctor appointments providing transportation and support during his journey.

Also especially close to Ray were his brother-in-law, Bill, and sister-in-law, Donna Roberts and their children, Caitlin and Bill. Ray was proud of his niece and nephew, their educational and athletic accomplishments, and loved them dearly. Many family birthday and holiday dinners were enjoyed at their home. Their love and support were very evident during Ray’s illness.

Ray was also very proud of his two sons, Ray and Brian, and their military commitment. Ray recently retired as a sergeant from the 82nd Airborne Division having served most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Brian served four years in the United States Air Force, and is currently a member of the United States Army Reserve. The boy, serving their country, was an important part of Ray’s patriotic life.

Ray enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren taking them on trips to Disney, on vacation to Maine, and many overnight stays at Nana and Papa’s. They have many memorable moments spent with Papa.

Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by a cousin, Vanessa Howk as well as several aunts and uncles.

Surviving Ray is his wife, Donna (nee Roberts); his son, Raymond R. Lacque and his wife, Kelley, and grandchildren, Kailey Schipp, Jenna Schipp, and Nathaniel Raymond Lacque; Brian D. Lacque and his wife, Jill, and grandchildren, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Natasha Lacque; sister, Sandra Dickinson and husband, Steve, and their children, James Dickinson, and his wife, Doni, their children, Ava and Allie Rae, and Jordan Quintal; Stephanie Johnson and husband Todd, and their son, Joseph; Brother-in-law, Bill Roberts and wife, Donna, and their children, Caitlin and Bill; Sister-in-law Elizabeth Rojcewicz and her significant other, Dan Durrum; also by numerous cousins.

Friends may call from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm on Thursday May 16, 2013 at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward. To view Ray’s Book of Memories and post online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Friday May 17, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Church, 164 Broadway, Fort Edward with Father Tom Babiuch officiating, and Father Robert Powhida assisting.

Burial will follow mass at St Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Edward, NY.

Donations in Ray’s name can be made to the St. Joseph’s Church Bell Tower Fund,164 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758541, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541.

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