Obituaries

Wilfred (Fred) Raes, 92, a resident of Oswego, died August 19, 2016.

He was a retired Coast Guard Commander of 25 years and was stationed in Oswego from 1961-1965. He attended US Coast Guard Academy in New London Ct. and graduated with a BS degree in Engineering. Upon retirement, he graduated from Syracuse University with a MS degree in mathematics and taught in Corcoran High School in Syracuse until retiring again in 1995.

His hobbies were fishing and more fishing, playing bridge and winning, collecting stuff and never getting rid of it, reading the NY Times even though he was a staunch Conservative, yearly trips to Maine for lobster, going to his camp on Seneca Lake and taking naps. He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, the Oswego Elk’s Club, Oswego Co. Bridge Assoc., Finger Lakes Ecology Assoc., and the Retired Officers Assoc. He was a patriot.

He had a sharp mind and was keenly interested in world events. He also would quiz the grandkids on their grades in school, what they were going to do with their lives and encouraged them by giving grants for their higher education. He loved his family and extended family that was a “package deal” when he married Grace, the love of his life. As a husband, he was loyal, supportive, annoying and stubborn at times. He was a good man.

Surviving are his wife, Grace; children Jon Raes (Jenna Weitzel), of Syracuse; Eric Raes (Nanette), of Baldwinsville; brothers, Tom Raes (Kathy), of Rochester; Bob Raes (Sue) of Apopka, FL; step children, Sandra Miller (Don), Laurie Burns (Tom), Jerry Blum (Cheri), James Blum (Gail); 11 step grandchildren; 16 great step grandchildren; 2 great-great step grandchildren.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul’s Church. Burial will be held in Minetto Cemetery.

Calling hour will be held 2-4p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany St. Oswego.