Obituary of Raymond Mayo

December 1, 1941-July 24, 2024

Raymond J. Mayo, 82, of Ithaca, New York, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2024, due to injuries sustained in a car accident. He has reunited with his beloved wife, Charlotte, who passed on June 21, 2024, from a stroke. Ray was born on December 1, 1941, in Ithaca to Beatrice (Elston) and Raymond I. Mayo. After high school, he married his forever sweetheart, Charlotte Baker, on November 3, 1962.

Ray served as a trustee and former President of the South Hill Cemetery Association, proudly providing volunteer service to Tompkins County's only designated Veterans cemetery for over 28 years. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the Danby Community Church, an original member of the Danby Volunteer Fire Department, and served with the Civil Defense Police for both the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Ithaca Police Department.

Ray was a resilient man who overcame many adversities in his lifetime. He always put his family first and led with compassion, never saying no to anyone in need. Ray was a devoted dance and hockey grandpa who rarely missed a game or event. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, and connecting with nature. He was also an engaging storyteller who loved making people laugh and was a talented mechanic often called upon by friends and family for help with repairs.

Ray is predeceased by his parents, Beatrice (Elston) Sickmon and Raymond I. Mayo, his brother Thomas Mayo, and his beloved wife of 61 years, Charlotte. He is survived by his son Raymond (Connie) Mayo of Deltona, FL; daughter Sonja (Beau) Baylor of Ithaca; grandchildren Noel (Phil) Christopher of Abington, MA, Dakota Baylor of Malden, MA, Devin Baylor of Cortland, NY; and great-grandson Matthew Crouch of Deltona, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 10th, at the Danby Community Church, 1859 Danby Road, officiated by Pastors Ed Enstine and Glenn Kennedy. A private burial will be held at the South Hill Cemetery.