Raymond J. Lynch, Jr. grew up on Staten Island and graduated from New Dorp High School,

Long Island University and Villanova Law School. He began his legal career as a prosecutor in

NYC and then became a defense attorney with a local practice on Staten Island.

He was passionate about his work with the developmentally disabled, which began in the early

70's with Geraldo Rivera's expose of Willowbrook State School. He made it his life's mission to

bring a bit of happiness into these children's and young adult lives by becoming Santa Claus

each year, distributing gifts and having parties for the residents of Willowbrook State School and

in later years the group homes in which they now resided..

He met his lifelong partner Patricia Reilly in high school and then after a 20 year hiatus they

became re-acquainted and spent the next 30 years together. They moved from Staten Island, to

Tampa, Florida and then returned to the northeast in 2012. Mr. Lynch lived in his adopted town

of Crestwood Village for the past ten years and enjoyed playing golf, basketball and being with

his family.

He became ill in 2020 during COVID and never regained his health or his strength. He passed

away on Friday, June 16th, 2023 after an extended illness. His quirky personality and his zest

for life will be missed. He is survived by his partner Patricia Reilly, his sisters, Doris Lynch of

Berkeley California, Judly Lynch-Sauer of Ann Arbor Michigan, and Nancy Lynch of Park Slope

Brooklyn, NY, three nephews, three nieces, and nine great nieces and nephews.