Raymond F. Newell, Jr., 90, died March 15, 2019 in Greece, NY, after a brief illness. Ray Newell was born October 3, 1928 in Hackensack, NJ, to Raymond and Grace (Auer) Newell. He grew up in Schenectady and graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in optical engineering. After serving in the Navy, he worked at Kodak in the film testing division for many years. Once retired, he taught astronomy at Roberts Wesleyan College. He was an active member of the Downtown Presbyterian Church. He shared his enthusiasm for stargazing with friends and family using the telescope he had built. Other interests included gardening, bird watching, camping and canoeing, and maple syrup production. Each year he collected monarch butterfly eggs and then shared chrysalises with many people. He was preceded in death by his brother John Richard. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor (Ellie), his daughters Elizabeth Newell and Judith (Lee) Bjorndal, grandsons Peter and William and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on April 6,, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Downtown Presbyterian Church, 121 North Fitzhugh St., Rochester, NY. Memorials may be made to the Downtown Presbyterian Church or the Crescent Trail Association in Perinton NY.
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3 responses to “Newell, Raymond F., Jr.”
I knew Ray Newell for over 65 years and we had great times together. I would go to his home and we would view galaxies through his 8-inch telescope. We worked on projects together at Kodak – our offices were side-by-side.. Ray was a delight to be with and he had a fine sense of humor. I will miss him dearly.
Sending hugs, sincere sympathy and warm wishes for a heartwarming celebration of Ray’s life. I only met him a few times, when he visited Judy and Lee here in Minnesota, but I knew right away he was a quality man. Love to the entire family there in New York.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Ray and Ellie lifeguarded at my parents’ pool several times for the Joy Class of DUPC. And Ray graced our family with more than a few cecropia moths over the years. Now OUR daughter teaches ecology. He shan’t be soon forgotten!