Obituary of Raymond P. Cetnar

Raymond P. Cetnar, 87, of Stella Lane, Amsterdam, passed from this earth on Sunday November 19, 2006 at St. Mary?s Hospital. Born in Amsterdam, New York on August 31, 1919, he was a son of Joseph and Julia Maraj Cetnar. A graduate of Amsterdam High School class of 1937, he attended Roosevelt School of Aeronautics in Garden City Long Island. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Following his service he worked as a machinist for General Electric in Schenectady. He joined the Schenectady, New York Air National Guard, enjoying a career spanning over 30 years, attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. At the time of his retirement in 1979 he was the Superintendent of Aircraft Engines. Ray was an avid skier, pilot and boatman in his younger years. He was a member of the Sacandaga Power Squadron, instructing in boating classes. At one time he was a substitute teacher for BOCES classes. A member of the Northeastern New York Woodworkers Association, he was an accomplished woodworker, having developed and patented a specialized woodworking clamp. He enjoyed designing and making furniture for his family. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. For many years he was a faithful Bingo worker for the Church. He was also a member of the St. Anthony Society of the church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #209. His varied interests kept him active in retirement years. In 1955 he married his wife of 51 years, Joan Cunningham Cetnar, who survives along with their children, Thomas Cetnar and his wife, Laurie, of Broadalbin, New York, Mary Jo Morrissey her husband, Gerard, of Little Falls, New York and Daniel Cetnar and his wife, Susan, of Toledo, Ohio; grandchildren, Nathan and Rachel Cetnar, Michael, Meghan, Matthew and Timothy Morrissey and Jessica Cetnar; brothers, Joseph Cetnar, Jr. of Amsterdam and William Cetnar of Perth, New York; nephews, Dale Cetnar and James J. Cunningham and nieces, Lori Kim Turner and Cathy Jo Andrews. He was predeceased by a brother, Leonard Cetnar. Ray?s wife and family are so very appreciative to the entire St. Mary?s staff and Hospice personnel for their kindness and the wonderful care he received during his brief illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:15am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00am at the Church of St. John the Baptist, Vanderveer St, Amsterdam, with the Rev. Stanislaus Swierzowski as celebrant. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5-7:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary?s Hospital Foundation, 427 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Community Hospice of Amsterdam, Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010.