LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John O. Raymond, legendary
coach, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John O. Raymond of Saranac Lake, New York, died on Friday,
March 18, 2016, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Born in Tupper Lake, New York on August 5, 1942, John O.
Raymond was the son of Mark and Kathryn (Trainor) Raymond; he married
Mary Bevilacqua on August 16, 1975, in Paul Smiths, New York; and
WHEREAS, John O. Raymond distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Tupper Lake High School, Ithaca College, and
St. Lawrence University, John O. Raymond was hired as a teacher in the
Saranac Lake School District in 1964; he served as Dean of Students,
Middle School Principal, Athletic Director, and District Superintendent
during his tenure, but his true love was coaching; and
WHEREAS, Coach John O. Raymond was the architect of one of the most
successful football programs in the State of New York; during his 30
years of coaching football he led Saranac Lake to numerous championship
seasons; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished mentor took the then-Redskins football
team all the way to the New York State Class C title game at the Carrier
Dome in 1995 and was also instrumental in guiding several teams to the
state playoffs; and
WHEREAS, Upon his final retirement from coaching in 1998, John O.
Raymond was the all-time leader in Section VII with 172 victories; in
addition to football, he won championships in baseball, skiing, and
basketball; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father and mother, John O. Raymond is
survived by his wife Mary; three children, Reagan, Mark and Matt; one
brother, Curtis; two sisters, Gail and Jane; and six grandchildren; he
is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as the extended
Bevilacqua family; and
WHEREAS, John O. Raymond's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John O. Raymond leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John O. Raymond, legendary coach, distinguished citi-
zen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John O. Raymond.