H. Connell Raate

Harvey Connell Raate, age 80, died on Tuesday, August 8th. He was born September 7, 1942 in Baldwinsville, New York. Predeceased by his parents, Toivo (Toby) and Josephine Connell Raate Hudson. He graduated from Phoenix High School, Class of 1960. He was retired from Drescher Corp. where he was an over-the-road semi- truck driver traveling to Florida and back each week. He had also driven for Red Star Express, OCCRA, and Schrivner. 

He was one of many charter members of the Clay Snow Owls, a snowmobile club in Clay, New York. He was the first Charter Fishing Captain based out of Oswego, New York on “Misty Blue”. He chartered for salmon and trout on Lake Ontario. He was an avid passenger train enthusiast, being a member of ESPA for many years. He and his wife traveled by Amtrak on several occasions. His main hobby after retirement was metal detecting, both locally and on several Caribbean Islands. He has found and donated many historical items that he found in the Town of Clay to the Town of Clay Historical Society. He was member in good standing of “The Ring Finders”, a world-wide organization whose purpose is to re-unite people with their lost jewelry. It pleased him immensely to offer this service. Other hobbies include traveling (cruises), casinos, playing cards, and visiting out-of-town relatives, as well as spending many hours with the walkers at Great Northern Mall. He also enjoyed genealogy. He and his wife, along with his sister, traveled to Finland to meet some of his cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha (Marti) Gratien Raate; daughter, Margo Schaefer (John) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; son, Darryl (Gina) of Graceville, Florida; sister, Weta Hayden, of Baldwinsville, New York, and good friend Barb Winkel, of Baldwinsville, New York. He was the loving grandfather of Amy Schaefer Crossan (Corey), ThomasRaate (Autumn Rose), Kaycee Schaefer Rundle (Cory) and Amber Raate LiGreci (Ian). Also, great grandchildren Evalyn, Elias, Bryce, Bradyn,Sophie, Derrek, and Carter.

Calling hours are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday August 11th at Traub Funeral Home, Inc., 684 N. Main Street, Central Square, New York.

Private service and burial at Chase Cemetery, Lysander, New York

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