Raymond R. Geraty

Raymond R. Geraty passed away on January 30, 2025, in Albany, New York. Raymond was a talented and distinguished news writer, producer, and editor. He wrote for newspapers, radio, and TV, and worked for both CBS and NBC where he was known for his wry wit and collegial behavior. His outstanding contributions to journalism were recognized with many accolades including the Clarion Award for his radio program entitled, “Northern Ireland: The Endless Agony,” in 1980 and a Daytime Entertainment Award for Outstanding Programming on the TODAY Show in 2007. Raymond was born August 31,1937, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Catholic elementary and high schools in Chicago. His studies at the University of Illinois were cut short by a car accident where he sustained injuries requiring him to withdraw. While he remained a Cubs fan, Ray spent most of his working life in New York City, and he commuted there from his home in Cold Spring, New York for over 30 years. Ray loved the beautiful natural surroundings in Cold Spring. His home was surrounded by evergreens, flowering trees, and bushes. Ray and his wife, Rita, also had a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs. They brought him great joy and fulfillment. Over the years in Cold Spring, Ray and Rita raised nine dogs and four cats. Ray’s love for animals was further demonstrated through his regular and generous contributions to animal-protection organizations like the American Rescue Foundation. Raymond was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Rita Bainbridge Geraty; his three siblings, Mary Irene Benham, Lynn McArdle, and John Geraty; and nieces and nephews, including Michael Benham, Lee Vaughan, Gene Straight, Jack and Jean Bainbridge and Susan Bainbridge Murphy. Ray was the youngest of the four children, and Rita was the youngest of twelve children. All the families were encouraged to visit and were very welcome in Cold Spring. Those relatives from the Capital District spent the most time there, especially during Ray’s final illness. These included his nieces and nephews —Maureen Straight (Gene, deceased), Mary Cosgrove (Francis), Theresa Vaughan (David Cherubin), Varada Pandya Vaughan (Lee, deceased), and Tom Vaughan (Sharon), together with their children. Ray is survived by his stepson, Christopher Hayes, and his wife, Lynne, along with their son, Colin. All reside in Kansas City. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Patricia Benham Wallenberg, Maureen Benham Johnson, Mary Elizabeth Franke, Margaret Geraty Giannaris, Colleen Geraty, Sean Benham, Patrick McArdle, Kevin McArdle, and Michael McArdle, as well as their children, all living in the Chicago area. The Memorial Mass celebrating Raymond’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany, New York. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to gather at 10:30 am at the church to honor Ray’s memory. Internment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont, New York. For service details or to leave a message for the family, please visit McVeigh Funeral Home at https://www.mcveighfuneralhome.com/. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Wanda Lusk, Angela Pidala and Charlie Conklin. They were Ray’s Cold Spring family. They cared for and transported Ray, Rita, and all their four-legged children throughout their residence in Cold Spring. We would like to acknowledge and thank Christopher Hayes, Maureen Johnson, Marianne Kahlich, and Susan Bainbridge Murphy for always staying connected with Ray, even though they lived quite a distance away. In lieu of flowers, the family has expressed a wish that donations go to local animal-rescue shelters

Tributes

Raymond R. Geraty

August 31, 1937 - January 30, 2025