Raymond J. Burnside Jr.

October 25, 1947 - April 17, 2018

Albany-Colonie, NY -- Raymond J. Burnside, Jr., age 70, passed away at home with his loving family by his side. Ray was born in Albany, New York, on October 25, 1947, to the late Raymond J. Burnside, Sr. and Mary Elise (Frommer) Burnside Lighthall. Ray was a devoted family man and a dedicated teacher. Ray graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1965. He continued his education at The Junior College of Albany and then went on to study at the State University of New York College at Oneonta, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Ray began teaching in the Albany City School District in 1970, and after attending Graduate School at Russell Sage College, earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1975. Ray’s teaching career spanned 34 years in elementary school assignments, including Giffen Memorial Elementary School and Philip Schuyler Elementary School, where he taught classes in special education for many years. He also worked as a Consultant Teacher in Special Education, and traveled daily to a number of private schools in the Capital District, including LaSalle Institute (Troy), Bishop Maginn High School (Albany), St. Pius X Catholic School (Loudonville), and the Robert C. Parker School (Wynantskill). After retiring from teaching in 2004, Ray tutored a number of local students in mathematics and also became a courier for St. Peter’s Hospital Bender Lab. Ray was an active member of the Albany Public School Teachers Association and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) for his entire teaching career. Golf was a favorite pastime as well as a healthy challenge. During high school and college years, he worked at several golf courses and country clubs, providing course maintenance as well as golf lessons. We could always rely on Ray for his dry sense of humor, his animated facial expressions, and his passion for classic rock music. During the summer of 1969, Ray met the love of his life, JoAnne St. Lucia. They were married in June of 1971 and were blessed with 47 years of love, friendship, and precious family times at their home in Colonie. Ray is survived by his loving wife JoAnne. He was a beloved father, teacher, and friend to Daniel R. Burnside (Lagrangeville) and Alison D. Burnside (Albany). He looked forward to becoming father-in-law to Ewa Colantuono in the fall of this year. Ray is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lisa and Anthony Maio III (Colonie) and Catherine and Charles St. Lucia (Delmar). Nieces and nephews include: Matthew and Lindsay St. Lucia and their children Colin and Nathan (Rochester); Erica and Stephen Hogan (Philadelphia, PA); Carley and Brendan Burke and their children Camilla and Charlie (Philadelphia, PA); Julie Maio (Colonie); Anthony Maio IV (Colonie); and 2nd Lieutenant Nicholas Maio (Fort Hood, TX). In addition to his parents, Ray was also predeceased by his step-father, Paul F. Lighthall. Also JoAnne’s parents Camilla and Charles St. Lucia. There are numerous friends, neighbors, colleagues, cousins, aunts, and uncles who also survive Ray. They have provided love, prayers and support to him and his family during a difficult and long illness. The medical and administrative staffs at Albany Dialysis Center have shown kindness, excellent care, and encouragement for Ray and his family. Also providing nurturing and quality medical care are the many physicians, nurses, health aides, technicians, and support personnel at Albany Medical Center (AMC). A sincere appreciation is extended to the medical staff in AMC’s Inpatient Dialysis Unit, 3rd Floor, M--Building. Thank you to Richard Machonis, R.N. of the Visiting Nurses Association, who provided Ray with excellent home health care, humor, conversations, and encouragement. We gratefully thank Dr. Mary Rappazzo and the late Dr. Syed Haqqie for their many years of care and guidance to Ray and our family. A special thank you is offered for the dedicated and tireless staff at Capital District Transportation Authority, especially the STAR bus drivers, dispatchers, and reservation personnel. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ray’s family Sunday, April 22, 2018 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY. Funeral services Monday, April 23, 2018 at 8:15 am in McVeigh Funeral Home, Albany thence to All Saints Catholic Church, Albany, NY at 9:00 am where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, view Ray’s Life Tribute, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Ray’s family suggests that donations for the training and education of dialysis medical staff may be made in his memory to Albany Medical Center, Adult Dialysis Unit, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 73, Attention: Dialysis Manager, Albany, NY 12208.