Patrick J Raymond

A Life Well Lived

When someone leaves this world, the love, energy & inspiration they gave does not disappear....it continues in the lives they touched. May we all be reminded to live with purpose, compassion & kindness, because that is how a legacy lives on.

It is with great mirth and more than a hint of nostalgia that we celebrate the life of Patrick J Raymond. A man whose adventures spanned from the streets of Buffalo, Albany, Binghamton, Quaker Lake and finally the warmer climates in NC with no shoveling - to the far corners of the globe…And yes, he did manage to find trouble in every stop along the way perhaps using ALL the water in Athenry Ireland in the 1970s. Born in 1938, Patrick left this world on September 12, 2025, at the Hock Hospice House in Durham, NC. But let's be honest—if there’s one thing Patrick wouldn’t want, it’s for us to wallow in sadness. He’d likely raise a glass of red wine and shout “Carpe Diem!”

After holding the esteemed title of Senior Class President at Siena College—because why settle for anything less when you could run the joint? Patrick continued to climb the academic ladder with a little help from Albany Law School. It was in these hallowed halls that he learned the fine art of negotiation: primarily, how to convince the college cafeteria to serve something other than mystery meat on Wednesdays. With a lawyer in the family, Thanksgiving dinners were a blend of heated debates and legal disclaimers about which side of the turkey is superior. While his time in the seminary was short, his faith was a strong foundation in his life.

Patrick began his illustrious career with the State of NY in a variety of roles ranging from camp counselor (who knew wrangling kids would lead to such exciting jobs?) to the high-speed thrills of a motorcycle cop. Legend has it, he loved his two-wheeled chariot so much that he talked about it to his family all the time - but fear not, he always managed to keep the conversation lively and the anecdotes even livelier, especially during his time as Corporation Counsel in Binghamton. He left a trail of fond memories. Not to mention the genuine great relationships he had with the people he worked with for the City of Binghamton.

With a personality larger than life, Patrick had a knack for filling every room he entered with laughter and music. His family jokes that he was either carrying a song in his heart or clanking ashtrays together to enhance the tune. He was well-known for his hilarious interpretation of classic tunes at many family gatherings - he was merely ‘enthusiastic’ celebrating the event at hand. But, with a beer in one hand and love in his heart, he created lasting memories that will resonate through his family & friends for generations.

Patrick was a man whose personality radiated joy; his adventures with the green machine at Quaker Lake became legendary within his family and friends, evoking soft laughter and fond reminiscences. “I wouldn’t buy this place” #BillGiblin

He possessed a rare gift—the ability to turn any gathering into a celebration with his welcoming nature, the Green Machine and desire to be a gracious host. With a song ever-present in his heart and a glass in his hand, he transformed ordinary moments into cherished memories for all, crafting his own legacy of joy that will echo through the years and remain with those he leaves behind.

This globetrotter took his spirit of adventure to places including Italy, Greece, Greenland, Ireland, Spain, France, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Costa Rica, all while armed with his trusty two-dollar bills for tips. There’s something to be said about the wisdom that comes with years of travel; perhaps that’s why he refused to leave home without his lucky two bucks. If there’s an ATM in heaven, we can only hope they accept it or have two dollar bills to dispense….

Patrick is survived by his adoring wife, Patricia, who undoubtedly kept him on track during their long journey together. His daughter Christine and her husband David, and admired the countless adventures of grandson Connor, to carry on his legacy of laughter and mischief. Sisters Mary (Bill) and Joan (James), along with brothers Lawrence (Claire) and William (Linda), are left with stories that will forever echo in their hearts. He also leaves behind countless nieces & nephews. Blood may be thicker than water, but it was the waters of Quaker Lake that brought the Giblin family into his life with whom Patrick made many a memory.

Patrick is predeceased by brothers Jack (Wanda) and Kevin (Pat) and his partner in crime Bill Giblin (Mary). These gentlemen surely welcomed him with open arms and perhaps a karaoke mic in hand for an even louder welcome.

Patrick may have left us, but the adventures, laughter, and lessons he imparted will surely linger on in the hearts of those lucky enough to know this once-in-a-lifetime kind of guy. Rest in peace, Patrick—you’ve earned it!  As we remember Patrick, let us raise a glass (preferably filled with his favorite red) to a man who danced through life with joy and left everyone around him smiling. Here’s to you, Patrick J Raymond: may your green machine roam free in the great beyond, where the singing never ends!