WAPPINGERS FALLS - George Raia, 84, a long time area resident, died peacefully in his sleep on December 26, 2021 at the Kaplan Family Hospice.

Born in the Bronx on September 28, 1937, he was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Biato) Raia. George proudly served our country in the US Navy. He was employed as a Foreman for Aparo Bread Crumb Company for 30+ years and later worked part time as a painting contractor.

On May 17, 1959 in the Bronx, George married Loretta Aparo who predeceased him. He is survived by his daughters, Debra Raia of Wappingers Falls, and Laurie Margosian and her husband Paul of Hopewell Junction; his grandchildren, Jason Hayes, Shannon Hayes, William Hayes, Brandon Margosian, and Brittany Margosian-Reed; as well as many nieces and nephews.

George was known for his infectious humor and zeal for the Lord. He was a devoted man of God and an active member of Reach Out Church in Hyde Park, where he served as a deacon and usher. George loved to play his saxophone for the Lord and was also a faithful member of the worship team. In addition, he had a gift for evangelism and loved to pray for people and lead them to the Lord everywhere he went. He also faithfully ministered to the elderly each Sunday afternoon for 17 years at the Valley Vista Nursing Home. In 2016, George was given the privilege of serving as an Honorary Pastor at Reach Out Church in Hyde Park.

A private burial will be held on Tuesday at 11am at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Putnam Valley. A future memorial service is TBD.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7