Dr. Raphael 'Ray' Thomas Waters, Ph.D., 86 of Lewiston, NY passed away on Thursday August 26, 2010 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Sydney, Australia, he was the son of the late Thomas Ernest and Ethel (Mellare) Waters.

Dr. Waters was raised and educated in Sydney. He received a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Sydney and practiced as a registered pharmacist in Australia for many years. He went on to study philosophy at the Aquinas Academy in Sydney, where he also taught for many years. Dr. Waters later attended the University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, and received his Doctorate of Philosophy Degree. He served as an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Ottawa, Canada for seven years, and in 1976, accepted a position at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY where he served as a professor of philosophy until August 2004. During that time, Dr. Waters was active as a resource person and advisor to several organizations in Australia, Canada and the United States, and had published numerous articles on many current social problems. Throughout the years, Dr. Waters was a guest speaker at a number of universities in Australia, Canada and the United States, and made several television and radio appearances in these countries. He was elected National Chairman of Scholars for Social Justice each year since its foundation in 1996, and was elected as a member of the Catholic Academy of Sciences in the United States of America, (which was limited to only 50 members), and appointed to the office of Registrar. Following his retirement, Dr. Waters devoted his time to writing on current scientific and social problems, and in 2005, founded the Aquinas School of Philosophy which is still in existence today.

Dr. Waters was predeceased by an infant son John Waters. He is survived by one brother Kenneth (late Joan) Waters of Gosford, Australia, a sister Esme Kreller of Sydney, Australia and was predeceased by a brother Leslie (June of Sydney, Australia) Waters. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday September 1, 2010 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Francis DeRosa officiating. Interment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Lewiston, NY. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALL, NY.