William Samuel Raven Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Samuel Raven (Syracuse, New York), born in Rome, New York, who passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 91, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of William Samuel Raven to pay them a last tribute. William S. Raven, July 10, 1932- September 15, 2023
Mr. Raven was a high school principal, teacher, chaplain, and a deacon in the Roman Catholic church. He was the principal at Mechanicville High School from 1968-1977, then at Carthage Central High School from 1978- 1987. Prior to becoming a principal, he taught English at Colonie Central High School for a decade. He was ordained as a deacon in 1988 and served as president of the St. Lawrence Society of the Ogdensburg Diocese Deaconate Community.
Bill truly enjoyed being a Deacon, especially officiating at weddings and baptisms. He was the Chaplain at Jefferson Community College from 1995-2002, and he was proud to have served the St. Paul’s parish as Director of Religious Education for several years.
He was born in Rome, NY, son of Lillian (Looft) and Harold J. Raven. He graduated from Oneida public schools in 1950. He entered the Air Force during the Korean war. He became an academic and tactical instructor and a Chaplain’s assistant.
After leaving the Air Force, he studied at St. Mary’s Seminary in Kentucky and St. Peter’s Junior College in Baltimore. He completed a B.A. in 1959 at SUNY Albany. He won a Regents War Service scholarship which allowed him to complete a Master’s Degree at Siena College.
In 1960, he married Barbara (Forand) Raven of Boonville, NY, until her passing in 1979. They had 3 children: Mary Beth (Duckworth), Christopher, and Jennifer (Marshall). In 1982, He married Frances (Nolan) Tripp. He is survived by his brother, Roy Raven, of New Hampshire. He is preceded in death by his brothers Lester, and Harold, and sisters Lillian, and Betty.
In addition to being survived by his three children and spouses, he is survived by 4 stepchildren and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Calling hours are 3pm-6 pm at Bruce Funeral home, 131 Maple St, Black River, NY 13612, on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic church, 208 LeRay St., Black River, NY 13612, 10 am, Monday, September 25, 2023.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association act.alz.org
