Ray T. Chesbro

Obituary of Ray T. Chesbro March 3, 2017 Ray T. Chesbro 91, of Phoenix, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. He was born and raised on a farm in Pennellville, in the Town of Schroeppel Oswego County. Ray received his education in the Phoenix Central School District. Appointed Deputy Sheriff of Oswego County in 1953, Mr. Chesbro later became Identification Office, Investigator and Lieutenant. In 1973, he was appointed as Sheriff of Oswego County by the late Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Mr. Chesbro was elected to that same position in 1974 and retired in 1977. Mr. Chesbro was active on the Phoenix Central School District’s Board of Education for seventeen years, as a member, Vice President and President. He also served on the Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services from 1967 to 1971. In 1979, he was appointed by Governor Hugh L. Carey as a Director of the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority; he served this position until 1982. Mr. Chesbro was married in 1947 to the former Eileen Audas. Mr. Chesbro has remained active in several community activities, including the Fraternal Order of Police, a 70 year member of Lodge 622 F&AM in Central Square, United Methodist Church in Pennellville, Phoenix Sno-Drifters, the National Legislators Association, Central New York Rod and Gun Club and the Pathfinder Rod and Gun Club. Mr. Chesbro was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1980. He represented all of Oswego County, the towns of Vienna, Verona, Camden and five election districts in the city of Rome, Oneida County. In 1982, as a result of redistricting, the 117th Assembly changed its boundaries to include only the County of Oswego. Mr. Chesbro was reelected in 1984, 1986 and again in 1988. He was predeceased by his brother, Wayne. He will be greatly missed and forever loved by his wife of 69 years, Eileen; three sons, Gary W. (Adrienne), Ray L. (Eleanor) and Scott B.; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Joanne, Alexander, Kimberly and Kyle; 5 great grandchildren, Sabrina, Kenneth, Bryanna, Lydia and Richard as well as several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Pennellville United Methodist Church, 389 County Route 54, Pennellville, New York., where a memorial service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pennellville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 205, Pennellville, New York 13132 or Phoenix Food Pantry, 43 Bridge Street, Phoenix, New York 13135 in Mr. Chesbro’s memory.