Obituary of Raymond J. Keckeisen

Raymond Keckeisen 72, Masonville, NY passed away on May 7, 2025 at Upstate Syracuse Hospital with his wife by his side. May 7th's scripture read, ...Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace be with you. As the father has sent me, so I send you." And so it was. Born January 31, 1953, to Joe and Jean Keckeisen. He lived with his brother Tom, Grandfather and Grandmother in Deer Park, Long Island. While growing up, Ray's dad taught him carpentry, electrical work and plumbing skills. While attending Deer Park High School, Ray played football, ran track; pole vaulted and graduated AP classes with excellence. As an athlete, he held a Brown Belt in Martial Arts. Ray played the drums for Deer Park's High School Band. They competed and won several marching band awards. The band also performed at major sports stadiums. Ray advanced his musical education with percussion instruments by performing solo before the NY State School of Music (NYSSMA) to earn the highest ratings. He studied with renowned drummers; participated in NYSSMA concerts; and later enjoyed playing with oldies bands. Ray was the drummer for Lenny Cocco & The Chimes. "Once in A While", and "I'm in the Mood For Love" were just a few of Ray's favorites. He met his wife Lorrane where he fell in love swooning on the dance floor to the Disco beat. Nat King Cole's, "Unforgettable" became the annual anniversary dance. Ray went on to graduate from the Delehanty Automotive Transportation Technology School in Queens. Training was on-going throughout his adult life. He studied in classrooms; at conferences; night school; YouTube Videos, and books to learn auto body work, painting, AC systems, electronics, diagnostics, etc. He became a NY State Certified Master Mechanic and NY State Inspector. Given a photographic memory, extraordinary intelligence for auto diagnosis, Ray used his gifts to help anyone and everyone in need (over the phone, in person or in store parking lots). He enjoyed owning his own business while on LI, but a tire exploded permanently, injuring his right hand which forced an early retirement. Having moved to Masonville, Advanced Automotive Store in Sidney, and other Auto Shops became Ray's favorite hang-out. There wasn't anything he could not fix. According to Ray's friends, he drove the "I got it mobile" because he always traveled prepared with gadgets to be of service. Ray may have gotten married, but cars were his first love and motor oil ran in his veins. Ray's spirit to be generous and help others went far beyond cars. Once, during Christmas shopping, we heard a loud crash and Ray ran outside. A woman pedestrian got hit by a car. Ray immediately administered CPR. According to the medics, Ray saved this woman's life. Hunting land and the sweet country air motivated his family to move to Masonville. Ray joined the Rockdale Rod & Gun Club in Mt. Upton; also became an NRA Instructor for gun safety. Ray supported the Sidney High School Football Athletes cooking up batches of spaghetti and meatballs with spaghetti and balls; sponsored Ryan's Eagle Scout Project, and Raymond Joseph's artistry. Ray was a devout Roman Catholic, lectored at Sacred Heart Church, and was a 4th Degree Member of Knights of Columbus marching as color core in parades and cooking at the SHC annual Harvest festivals. Once married, Ray and Lorraine lived at 7 Helen Street, Centereach, NY where they raised two handsome boys, Raymond Joseph and Ryan Lee. Our sons went to school at Saint Joseph Church in Ronkonkoma where we prayed devoutly. After 911, our family moved to Masonville, attended Sacred Heart Parish serving as lectors, and altar boys. At the annual Harvest Festivals, Ray enjoyed cooking with his brother Knights of Columbus. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lorraine and their beloved son, Ryan Keckeisen Bramich and family. Extended family: Edward Bopp; James, Joseph and Brian Keckeisen families. In-laws: Bill, Lynn and God son David Schuck; Richard, Kathy, Kristyn, Alex, Corbisiero and children Kristina family and Andrew. Robert, Kim and son, Kevin Corbisiero. Mark, Joan and God son Stephen and Mark Sabella. Loving Aunts and Uncles: Bob, Lenore Giannetto; John, Stalla DiMatteo. Loving Cousins: Tom, Melissa, and Chole Sabatino; John DiMatteo wife and daughters; Carl Herman and wife; Anthony Herman and wife, and Gary Herman; Kathy Cappellino Family; Albert Cappelllino Family, Joseph Cappellino Family; Theresa Millilo Family; Vito, RoseMary Milillo Families; Anthony Milillo family, Diane Millillo Family, Joseph Millio Family; Jackie Dale Family; Vincent Corbisiero Families; Tommy Corbisiero/Corbisiero family cousins; Anthony Russo Families and all our loving family members and life-long friends on Long Island and Upstate. Ray is predeceased by his beloved son Raymond Joseph Keckeisen. Others include Joseph and Jean Keckeisen, brother Thomas Keckeisen and families; and Santo and Rosalie Corbisiero Families. A Memorial Mass will be Wednesday, May 14th at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Church located at 15 Liberty Street, Sidney, NY - 607-563-1591. In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following would be greatly appreciated: • Sacred Heart Church at 15 Liberty Street, Sidney, NY 13838 - Marked - Attention: Food Bank • Rotary Club Sidney at P.O. 317, Sidney, NY 13838 - Marked - Attention Sidney High School Scholarship Fund