Obituary of Raymond Chuley

Raymond T. Chuley, 89, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025. Ray was born in Valatie, New York on September 12, 1935, to John Chuley and Carrie (Edwards) Chuley. He attended school in Albany, New York and graduated from Albany High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and honorably served as a Communications Specialist in Okinawa and Texas until his discharge in 1958. After Raymond's completion in the Air Force, he worked at Freihofer's Bakery and then began his drafting career at Sterling Drug in Rensselaer, New York. During his employment at Sterling, he completed his apprenticeship at Hudson Valley Community College and graduated with his Associate degree in 1973. He retired from Sterling after 29 years of employment and continued his drafting career with JB Warren Industries in Castleton-on-Hudson, New York for another 11 years until he officially retired. Ray met the woman-of-his-dreams in 1978, and married Shirley (Weaver) Santana on August 25, 1979. They shared their love of traveling and family until her passing in March, 2014. Outside of working, Ray pursued his passion for trains with an extensive collection of HO scale model railroading. His love for the Air Force continued with a vast knowledge of military aircraft, and was known for his expertise of World War 2. During his younger years, he loved fishing on Lake Champlain in Rouses Point, New York and hunting in Oneonta, New York with his relatives. Ray's legacy will continue by John T. Chuley (son), Christine (Luciano) Chuley (daughter-in-law), Kirsten N. Chuley (granddaughter), Timothy A. Santana (step-son), and Linda (Bosley) Santana (step daughter-in-law), and numerous cousins and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents John and Carrie, his wife Shirley, his step-daughter Mary Santana, and his grandson Erik. Calling hours will be held at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook St., Valatie, NY from 10:00am – 12:00pm on February 22nd with a service immediately following, and with internment following at Woodlawn Cemetery in Valatie,NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.