Raymond L. Mosher
1930-2022
Richburg, NYRaymond L. Mosher 92 of 216 Main Street died Monday October 17, 2022 at the Jones Memorial Hospital following a
brief illness. He was born October 2, 1930 in Olean, NY. He was the son of Lawrence and Jesse VanDyke Mosher and
stepmother Betty Dean Mosher. He married Margaret(Peggy) F. Tower on August 21, 1954 at St. Mary’s Church, Bolivar,
NY. Peggy preceded him in death July 4, 2015.
Ray was a graduate of Portville Central School. He attended Cornell University, St. Bonaventure University and
University of Tulsa. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa. He was employed by Halmor’s
Services in Tulsa, OK for 13 years. In 1971, Ray was employed by Dresser Clark in Olean, NY, as systems Senior
Design Engineer. In his weekend job, he attended Buzz Dunn’s school of woodcutting. Ray was a veteran of the USAF
from 1951-1955 serving in the Korean War. While in the AF he met his lifelong friend and bestman Nick Muratore who
influenced and mentored his Catholic faith.
Memberships: St. Mary’s Church Bolivar, Secular Order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Kenyon Andrus Post #772 American Legion
Bolivar and VFW Post #2721 Cuba.
Surviving are thirteen children, David Mosher, Bartlett, TN, Madonna (David) Pierce, Mt.Vernon, OH, Gregory (Diana)
Mosher, Channahon, IL, Monica (Erv) Smith Bolivar, John Mosher, White, GA, William Mosher Tulsa, OK, Matthew Mosher,
Richburg, Margaret (Bill) Cowles, Russellville, AK, Regina (Tim) Caterino, Plano, TX, Grace (Cole) Dailey, Springhill,
FL, Bernard (Heather) Mosher, Lockport, NY, Kathleen (Christopher) Jester, Skiatook, OK and Teresa (Erin) Mosher,
Rochester, NY; 28 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Christine Mosher June 19, 2015, daughter-in-law Patty Wilder Mosher August 13,
2013, grandson Gregory Mosher January 14, 2014, sister and brother-in-law Minerva (Alvin) Dean and sister-in-law
Mrs.(David)Barbara Mosher.
He is survived by three brothers, Ronald (Barbara) Mosher, Warsaw, NY, David Mosher, Grofton, MD and Terry (Mary) Mosher,
Bremerton, W and one sister Ellen (Kim) Cradduck, Bradford, NY.
Dad was an engineer by trade but always dreamed of being a farmer after tending his grandfather’s farm on the Five
Mile Road in Allegany, NY. While his heart remained in farming he and his wife’s most treasured crop was their
bountiful family. Being a creature of habit, he would cut 80 cords of wood each year with his best friend Buzz,
with each cutting day ending with a 4 o’clock meeting at the country club. On Saturday mornings, he and the
unelected mayors of Bolivar (Buzz, Tom Dunn and Neil Dempsey) would gather over coffee to solve the problems
of the world. Sunday mornings were for Mass with his wife and his beloved family. In the early years with so
many children 3 car trips were needed.
Dad loved Hudson Hornets, working outside, being punctual, hunting and fishing trips, limburger cheese and onion
sandwiches and solving college calculus problems for relaxation. He was high school quarterback for Portville Panthers.
He never lost his passion for sports, whether watching college games, the Kentucky Derby or watching his children
and grandchildren play. Dad developed deep roots and strong branches during his lifetime. From family meetings
to cleaning parties, Dad instilled a strong work ethic in his children. On Saturdays, his grandchildren fondly
remember the trips to the dump that inevitably ended with candy. Some of his favorite sayings were: “There are
going to be some changes around here”, “Plan your work and work your plan”, and although not given to colorful
language he could be heard saying “I don’t give a rats a...” Dad is joyously reunited with his high school sweetheart.
He was loved by all, touched many lives and will live on in heaven and our hearts forever.
Friends may call Friday October 21 from 4-7pm at the Schaffner Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian burial Saturday October 22 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church Bolivar, NY with Father Robert Agbo officiating.
Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bolivar, NY.
Memorial to: St. Mary’s Church c/o 17 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat , PO Box 100,
West Clarksville, NY 14786 or mountainonline.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.
Schaffner Funeral Home
