Raymond A. Tannatta

NISKAYUNA – Raymond A. Tannatta, 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the peacefulness of his home, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family.
Born in Schenectady, Ray was the son of the late Felix and Mary (Patriarco) Tannatta. A graduate of Linton High School, he dedicated his life to service, innovation, and family. Ray began his career as a paramedic firefighter for the City of Schenectady, serving his community with skill, and compassion. He retired after 25 honorable years, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and commitment.
A man of many talents, Ray was also a licensed master plumber and an educator, sharing his knowledge by teaching plumbing to students at Hudson Valley Community College. He was an entrepreneur, holding a real estate license and owning a restaurant and several nursery schools. His creativity knew no bounds; he was also an inventor, designing and patenting the Highrise Lifeline, a life-saving device that provided oxygen access for those trapped during fires, something Ray was very passionate about.
Ray was a man of remarkable character, he was forgiving, humble, and a man of deep integrity. He led quietly, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him. In his free time, Ray found joy and focus on the golf course. An avid golfer, he played on the Brother Dominick golf league and was a longtime member of the Van Vranken Golf League; but, his favorite golf partner was his grandson Jake.
Above all else, Ray’s heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His family was his world and their bond was extraordinary, built on love, laughter, support, and deep respect. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will live on in every life he touched.
Ray was predeceased in life, by his parents; his loving son, Stephen A Tannatta; and his siblings, Joseph Tannatta, Joyce Keating and Carmel Jack.
He is survived by his beloved and loving family; his wife of 61 years, Linda Santorelli Tannatta; daughter, Stacey (Edward Fay) Phillips; grandchildren, Emily (Brendan) Krol, Samantha (Andie) Lyttle, Sophia Tannatta and her fiancé, Zac Steppe, Jake Phillips, Sean Phillips, and Craig (Mahi) Phillips; a great-grandson, Cian Phillips; brother-in-law, Dick Jack; his sisters Beverly Varno and Diane Nebolini, whose husband Chet shared a brotherly bond with Ray; and his four-legged, right hand gal, Stella. Ray is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends and his Brotherhood of Firefighters.
The Tannatta family requests that flowers not be sent, but would rather honor Ray’s memory with a contribution to one of the following organizations that he deeply believed in and that, in turn, stood by him in life; the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation at www.neverfightalone.org ; Community Hospice at communityhospice.org or the Joan Nicole Prince Home at joannicoleprincehome.org
A Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 806 Union Street.