RAYMOND BEAMESDERFER

BEAMESDERFER JR.

RAYMOND "DUTCH", of NE Philadelpia, on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, Philadelphia lost a good man. Dutch had the appearance of a rough rider, leather jacket, Harley Davidson, even a ponytail and the soul of a saint. Though his good looks may be what first got his wife Lois' attention at Sharkys Bar in South Philly in 1966, it was his devotion that she felt most supported by in their 49 years of marriage. When she was suffering from cancer in the early 2000's Ray did not hesitate to be her caregiver and self proclaimed 'Kitchen Bitch'. "He was the most loyal husband, and so kind," his wife recounts.
His loyalty extended to his 32-year career at the University of Pennsylvania where he was a proud, longstanding member and a past Vice President of Local 835 Operating Engineers Union. Ray and his father, both known as 'Dutch,' hailed from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. A strong athlete, Ray ran track for the Philadelphia Agricul-tural School and graduated in 1962. He went on to serve in the Navy from 1962 to 1965.
Ray enjoyed tending to his motorcycle and garden, complete with koi fishpond that he built himself. He was a devoted father to his only child, Raymond III and found great joy in the family's late Dalmatian, Duke.
Smoking cigarettes and watching TV in his man cave, Ray was the centerpiece of his home and will be deeply missed. He had a propensity for language, able to use a choice four-letter word as a noun, verb and adjective seamlessly in one sentence. Despite the profanity Ray's selfless caring nature always came across. He died in his natural habitat after cursing Comcast, just like the rest of us Philadelphians.
Predeceased by sister Carol Beamesderfer, Ray leaves behind his adored wife Lois Beamesderfer (nee Rosenblatt), son Raymond Beamesderfer III and sister Diane (David) Nicholas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Overbrook School for the Blind, 6333 Malvern Ave., Phila., PA 19151.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Viewing on Sunday at 10:30 A.M. followed by Funeral Services at 11:30 A.M. at GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL SACKS, 6410 N. Broad St., Phila. Int. Mt. Sharon Cem. Shiva will be observed Monday and Tuesday at his late residence.

www.goldsteinsfuneral.com