Raymond M. Donie

Winthrop- Mr. Raymond M. Donie, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 31, 2017 at the Massena Memorial Hospital surrounded by his supportive family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Ray was born in Potsdam on January 9, 1943, or "Angel Day"; as it was affectionately known by his family, to the late Michael and Laura (Losey) Donie. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from St. Lawrence Central High School in 1960. After graduation he proudly served his country in the US Air Force, from 1961-65, and then earned his honorable discharge from the reserves in 1967. On October 6, 1961 Ray was married to Mary Dupree. Mary passed away on July 28, 2015. In earlier years Ray worked for some time at Alcoa and afterwards worked for the St. Lawrence County Highway Department on the road crew. Ray was blessed with a fun-loving spirit and a good sense of humor. He was never shy of striking up a conversation with a stranger or riling people up; he loved to pass along his smile. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing; had a skilled hand for woodworking, and loved watching westerns, especially Daniel Boone. He was a member of the Winthrop American Legion and a communicant of St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls. Ray is survived by his 5 daughters: Teresa Donie of Troy, Brenda and Steven Miller of Warwick, RI, Sheri and David Montgomery Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO, Rebecca and Ricky Newtown of Winthrop, and Karen Donie of Winthrop; his grandchildren: Christopher and Amanda Montgomery, Meghann and Scott Cheney, Sarah Miller, Daniel Miller, Kelsey Newtown, Ryan Newtown, Miranda and Brian LaBier, and Hailey Dodge; great grandchildren, Samantha and Theodore Montgomery, and Elijah and Adelynn Cheney; his sister, Laura Mae Barse of Massena; his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Sandy Donie of Winthrop; and a brother-in-law Lyle Fountain of Massena; his companion Grace Paige of Winthrop and her children: Grace Corrigeux of Massena, Melissa Ashley of Montana, and Chad Vallance of Brasher Falls; and grandchildren, Nick, Lindsey, Elaina, Cassandra, Zachary, Dillon, and Lucas. Survivors also include several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ray was predeceased by a granddaughter, Amy Snyder, and his siblings: Carl "Pete" Amo, Shirley Vodron, and Carol Fountain. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8pm at the funeral home. Ray's funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:00am at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls. Burial will take place at the parish cemetery in the spring. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those wishing to express an act of kindness, memorial contributions may be made in Ray's honor to the Winthrop American Legion or to Tri-Town Rescue Squad. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com