Obituary of Raymond R. Thielke

CANASTOTA . . . Raymond R. Thielke, 58, of 6734 Oxbow Road, Canastota, passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, following a series of illnesses, including illnesses related to being a 9-11 first responder at the World Trade Center. He was born on January 31, 1960, in Plattsburgh, NY, the son of the late Raymond and Lynne (Mary) Thielke. Ray spent his early years at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, and Rome, NY, graduating from Rome Free Academy in 1978. He received a BS Degree from Regents College (Excelsior College), and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Ray also lived in Goshen, Poughkeepsie, and Montgomery, NY, before moving to the Canastota area in 1995. He has been an EMT since 1978, and received his Paramedic Certificate from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx in 1985. Ray first worked for Emergency Management Services in New York City as an EMT, becoming a paramedic and Lieutenant, and worked on the Dignitary Protection Services Team. He worked for NYS Dept. of Health, as an EMS Senior Representative in NYC and later in Syracuse. Ray later worked for the Madison County Sheriff's Dept. as a Community Services Aide, a tactical paramedic with the Madison County Sheriff's Dept. SWAT Team, as an ACL (PALS) and CPR instructor at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, and as a NYS Certified Instructor Coordinator. Ray was a volunteer for the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service, serving as a past Director of Operations, and the Infection Control Officer. He also volunteered as a paramedic and firefighter with the Eaton Volunteer Fire Department, and recently became a volunteer at the Mid-State Regional EMS Council. Ray was a member of New Beginnings Community Church in Wampsville, and a Worship Team Musician. He was also a percussionist with the Central Winds / Central New York Music Educators Wind Ensemble, and played locally with many high school and professional theatre organizations, including The Talent Company, as well as playing in The Elaine Miller Trio in Poughkeepsie. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and camping in the Adirondacks, kayaking, mountain biking, and spending time with his family and friends. Ray married Cathy A. Bishop on August 9, 1986, in Pleasant Valley, NY. Surviving besides his wife, Cathy, are: one daughter, Lynne Thielke at home; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron and Kim Thielke of Tucson, AZ, Richard and Gail Thielke of Bohemia, Long Island, and Russell and Dana Thielke of Clifton Park, NY; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Laura and John Gober of Cave Creek, AZ, and Linda Peterson of Irwin, PA; seventeen nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2018, from 6 to 9 p.m. at New Beginnings Community Church, 227 Genesee Street, Wampsville. Funeral services will held at the church at 1 p.m. on Friday, with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service (GLAS), PO Box 382, Canastota, NY 13032, or to Voices of September 11th, 80 Main Street, Suite 5, New Canaan, CT 06840, with envelopes available at the church. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota, NY A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home