It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond F. Buchanan, who passed away on September 26, 2026 at the age of 87 in Rochester, NY. Ray was born in 1939 in Rochester NY, an only child to parents Raymond and Marie Buchanan.
He was a proud graduate of Aquinas High School, John Carroll University, and SUNY Geneseo, where he received his Masters in Library Science. He worked as the Director of the Fairport Public Library for 32 years until his retirement in 2000 Ray met his wife, Judy Fay on a blind date and were married on September 22, 1962.
Ray was a man of many interests. He was an avid marathon runner, including achieving his goal of running the Boston Marathon. He was a prolific reader with a particular affinity for presidential biographies. He was on the Board of The Advent House in Fairport, worked the polls as an election inspector, volunteered at Generation Two (G2), which paired him with young students to connect generations through play, and was an active parishioner at Church of the Resurrection. Ray cared deeply about his friends and family, following his children’s and grandchildren’s academic, sport, musical, and theatrical events, taking annual vacations to the Adirondack Mountains and Cape Cod with his family for many years where he swam on designated beach days regardless of temperature or weather. He prioritized his weekly Saturday morning breakfasts at Riki’s with his friends of many decades.He was a long time season ticket holder at Geva Theater.
Ray was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Judy Buchanan. He is survived by his four children: Tracy Leyendecker, Mark Buchanan (Kirsten), Beth Delforte-Buchanan, Anne Buchanan (Sal Portugal), grandchildren : Carly Buchanan (Dan Lavoie), Natalie Buchanan, Gunnar Leyendecker, James Delforte, Lucas Delforte, and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his wife of 8 years, Sandy Buchanan and her family, Sister in law-Jean Poweska (Stephen), and two nieces Sarah Poweska and Polly Williams.
The family would like to thank Ray’s caregiver, Veronica from Home Instead for her care and compassion.
Calling hours will be held at Keenan’s Funeral Home, Egypt Location, on Sunday October 4, 2026 1-3pm
Funeral Mass at Church of the Resurrection Monday October 5, 2026 10am. Luncheon at Church of the Resurrection at 1pm October 5, 2026.
Interment at Holy Sepulchre
In honor of Ray, memorial donations may be made to The Advent House in Fairport
19 responses to “Buchanan, Raymond F.”
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my Godfather, Ray. So glad his genuine affection and concern for others allowed us to reconnect via email during my fathers recent health issues. Nothing could define a true friend any better.
So sad about Rays passing my condolences to the family. It was a pleasure being his caregiver. You will be missed Ray.. – Veronica
Oh Beth – I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Big hug!🥰
Always a kind gentleman; Ray’s was a life well lived.
RIP Ray. Well done.
Ray was a nan among men. He had an endearing way about him. He was a devoted friend, and the Resurrection Community will miss him. Prayers for the family. It has been a pleasure to call him a friend,
I’m so sorry Beth. Sending love and peace to you and your family.
Ray served for many years on the Boards of Directors of Advent House and Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton. He was devoted to the ministries, especially Prison Ministry of Upstate New York. We miss Ray.
As part of the Fairport running group with Ray, I will always fondly remember the great conversations we had while running. He was quite a guy! In addition to our running, we also shared an appreciation for presidential biographies. I thank God for his life and his friendship.
My sympathy to all of Ray’s Family and friends at this sad time. A good man was he. Rest in peace my friend. With prayers, Monica
I had the pleasure of working with Ray with the Prison Ministry of Upstate New York. He was a fervent supporter. In recent months when he was living at Heather Heights he would attend the Sunday church services that my wife and I would minister. Ray was always so grateful and complimentary of those services, and was so upbeat despite his afflictions. I will miss him.
Please accept my sympathy. I knew Ray at Aquinas. We played in the band together.
It is hard to believe I have lost my oldest and best friend. His passing leaves a big void behind. I will keep him in my prayers.
Sending more love to the Buchanan family. Hearts with you.
Ray was a wonderful friend. We served together on Advent House committees and Prison Ministry of Upstate New York. I want to express
my sympathy to his friends and family.
I’ve known Ray for many years as parishoners at Church of the Resurrection. He always had a smile and a helping hand. My sincerest sympathy to his children ( I took care of 8 year old Anne in the recovery room after her appendectomy) and to Sandy and her family.
Ray and I were G-2 volunteers for many years and know that he loved playing with the K, 1st and 2nd graders in the city. They enjoyed his company almost as much as he enjoy theirs!
A gentle man and devoted lector at Church of the Resurrection. A friend.
In addition to Church, I (Toni) would see Ray at the Perinton Rec Center quite often. He would always stop and chat. He was a kind man. Rest in peace, Ray