Raymond Winslow, Sr.

Raymond "Ray" Winslow, 84 of Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully at Upstate University Hospital on December 7, 2023 surrounded by his family who were gathered together at his bedside.

A lifelong resident of Syracuse, he was 1 of 19 children born to Robert and Helen (Bassett) Winslow on September 28, 1939, which was shortly after the outbreak of World War II.

His parent's 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated with a renewal of their vows which was shared with the community on a local television show called PM Magazine. Growing up in such an unusually large family meant money was always tight. He and his siblings joked that because they were so close in age and wore about the same size clothes, "the first one up in the morning was going to be the best dressed" that day.

Ray graduated from Central Tech High School in 1957. He enjoyed sharing stories about the various odd jobs he had growing up. They included things like splitting and delivering firewood, detailing cars, and delivering items for Charlie Wadenola's beauty supply on his bicycle to customers all around the city of Syracuse.

On June 14, 1958 he and Dorothy Jean Rock were married, and they remained lifelong partners for 65 1/2 years, until his passing.

Also in 1958, he began working for the Instant Whip Corporation on their food manufacturing line. When an opportunity arose he moved on to become a delivery driver for the company. As the company continued to grow, he transitioned into the position of Sales Manager where he met many of the people who were to become some of his closest life-long friends. Eventually all of the hard work and long hours paid off and he became President of the Company he was employed by for 47 years.

During the 1960's and 70's he seemed to always be working a side hustle as a private event bartender predominately at Temples Temple Adath Yeshurun and Beth El as well as various other venues in and around Syracuse.

In 1995, as he was preparing to retire from his career at Instant Whip Foods, he came across an opportunity to purchase a business he could operate in retirement. Anyone who knew him knows he would have never been able to enjoy spending time just lounging around. After careful consideration, he and his wife Dorothy made the decision to purchase Arctic King, an Ice Cream Stand in Central Square, NY. He loved working in the business and the opportunity to meet and get to know so many of the customers. He was involved in the day to day operations of the business until a couple of years ago when health complications prohibited him from doing what he loved. He was always involved in what was happening at Arctic King as his wife, son and granddaughters continued ensure the ice cream kept flowing and the customers at Arctic King would be able to continue to enjoy the good times that have become a summertime tradition in the area.

In addition to work, he loved sports and actively participated on multiple softball and volleyball teams as well as coaching Pop Warner Football. Although he was a gifted multi-sport athlete, bowling was his passion. He was a member of multiple bowling teams and competed in several leagues throughout the years. During his years of bowling he managed to roll the elusive 300 game on 3 separate occasions by throwing 12 consecutive strikes in each game that were certified by the American Bowling Congress.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Ray; daughter-in-law, Susan; and his two granddaughters, Lauren and Courtney who provided him with his greatest joy; and four siblings.

Anytime anyone needed something, or when anything needed to be done, he was famous for saying "I know a guy", and he always did.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 11am - 1pm. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1pm.

To view the livestream of the service Click Here

Entombment will be at Valley Cemetery, Nedrow, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House Hospice,108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.

To leave a message of condolence for Ray's family, or to share a special memory of Ray, visit the guestbook below.