On Thursday, June 30, 2016 our strong and bold husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Raymond A. Burling, held our hands for the last time as he soared from this life through the gates of heaven. Ray did not lose his battle to cancer, but instead lived through it for three years through his extraordinary strength and willpower to live and be with his family and his friends who he loved like his family. Before this journey began, Ray was born on September 4, 1957 in Niagara Falls, NY to the late Raymond M. and Mary E. (Ruggirello) Burling.

Ray was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He was later educated in welding, refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing, blueprint readings and schematics. Ray worked in the Parks Department of the City of Niagara Falls. He was later employed by the New York State Parks Department as a mason and plumber.

Ray was a member of the Niagara County Sportsmen's Association and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Union. In his leisure time he enjoyed boating and gardening.

Ray is survived by his wife Linda R. Burling; two daughters Jessica (James Constantino) Burling and Nina (Chad Egger) Scibilia; his grandchildren Niko, Giovanni and Nykira; his sister Beth (Kevin) Trane and niece, Brittany Trane; his father-in-law Carmen (late Louvera) Scibilia and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, July 16th at 10 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.