Ray passed away Monday, July 3, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Ruth Benedict. He leaves behind several family members including his beloved wife of 35 years, Charlene (nee Braley), 4 children, Greg (Barb) Benedict, Sharon Rae (Peter) Cheney, Jennifer Dixon, and Kevin (Becky) Benedict, several grandchildren, and 2 brothers Mike (Lynda) Benedict, and David Benedict.

He always knew he wanted to be a pharmacist. After graduating from Scotia-Glenville High School, where he was Class President, a member of National Honor Society and Key Club (Kiwanis) President, he received an Honors Degree in Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, NY. He served as Class President for four years and President of his Fraternity Phi Delta Chi. He received the Merck Award for Excellence in Pharmacology. After graduation, Ray worked for the Pfizer Corporation. In 1976 his career path brought him to Cincinnati, OH, working for SupeRx Drugs, a division of the Kroger Corporation, as the Director of Training and Development. He went on to work at The Great American Insurance Company as the Assistant VP of Human Resource Development. He eventually returned to his pharmaceutical background and worked as a clinical pharmacist for Merck, Anthem/Express Scripts and Humana until his retirement. Ray survived a sudden ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in June 2014, which left him disabled and paralyzed. As a result, he suffered many complications and fought a courageous battle for 9 years, while maintaining his upbeat attitude and smile.

There will be no services at Ray's request. Memorial donations can be made in Ray's honor to Freestore Foodbank .

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)