Raymond C "Ray" Zanta

Raymond C. Zanta, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 6, 2019. Born in Pittston PA, he was the son of the late Angelo and Helen (Alfano) Zanta. Upon graduating from Pittston High School in 1941 he moved with his family to Schenectady, NY. Ray served in World War II for two years. He attended the Royal Academy Barber School and operated Ray’s Barber Shop on Chrisler Avenue in Schenectady for 64 years. Affectionately known as “Ray the Barber”, he loved his work and was loved by all of his customers. Ray was also a member of the Schenectady Board of Representatives as a County Representative. He supported county actions to much needed direct services to the public as a legislator. His support was given to the Sex Crimes Unit in the District Attorney’s office and for equal rights as a member of the Human Rights Commission. Through his chairmanship of the Rules and Judiciary Public Safety Committee of the Board of Representatives, the County Board took action on various projects such as Criminal Justice and Arson Control. He also served on the Human Resources Ways and Means Committees, was a member of the Glendale Nursing Home and Jail Task Force subcommittees, as well as many civic organizations including VFW Post 357, Crane Street Merchants Association, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, American Legion and Post 1001 Elks Lodge N. 480. Ray is predeceased in death by his beloved daughter Susan, his sisters Eleanor Costanzo and Ida Lapi and brother Joseph Zanta. He is survived by the love of his life for 71 years, Isabelle, his son Raymond (Jeanne) Zanta, sister Helen (Rocco) Visconti, and brother Angelo (Joanne) Zanta as well as many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on TUESDAY EVENING from 6 - 8 pm, and Wednesday morning from 8:15 am to 10:15 am at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin on Wednesday, 10:15 am from the funeral home, followed at 11 am by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke's Church, 214 State St. Schenectady. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Cemetery on Brandywine Avenue in Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to St. Luke’s Church, Hospice, or a special charity of choice.