Raymond J. Balser Sr.

He was born Dec. 9, 1942 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Carl J. and Carolyn (Yannello) Balser. Ray was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1960. He was in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, at-taining the rank of staff sergeant and served overseas in Japan as well as at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. After that he worked in retail as store manager at Firestone stores in New York and Virginia. Then it was back to Virginia and employment with the federal government at Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA where he was a contract specialist. He retired and spent his time between Buffalo, NY and Colonial Heights, VA.

An avid Bills fan and golfer, Ray also enjoyed taking his grandsons fishing when they were little, playing cards with the family, and going on cruises with his wife.

Survivors include his wife, Ilona (Niedermayer) Balser; three children, Raymond J. (Beth) Balser Jr. of Glen Allen, VA, Sherry K. (Scott) Martz of Richmond, VA, and Michael C. (Betsy) Balser of Midlothian, VA; one sister, Diane M. (Daniel) Olson of Jamestown; five grandchildren, Ryan, Nicholas, Will, Katie, and Madelyn; and several nieces and nephews including Karen Olson.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Ann (Deakle) Balser.

Raymond J. Balser Sr.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Chapel, Sheridan, NY. The Rev. Daniel P. Walsh will officiate. Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. There will be no prior visitation. Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.