Conesus/Livonia: At age 85, Sam passed peacefully at his home on November 11, 2021. He passed after a period of declining health and was with his beloved wife, Pat and their children. He was born on January 18, 1936 in Rochester, NY to the late Samuel and Frieda (Hass) McRae. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings; Robert McRae, Rita (McRae) Parker, and Lawrence (Virginia) McRae. Survived by his wife of 56 years Patricia (Hoy) McRae and children; Joseph (Maureen) McRae and Erin McRae both of Honeoye Falls; grandchildren, Ryan and Kathryn McRae; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Sam’s family moved from Caledonia to Conesus in 1946. As the youngest of four children, Sam grew up fast and helped out on his family’s farm from a very young age. Sam was a standout athlete for Livonia schools, earning a full scholarship to play basketball for Canisius College and becoming the first member of his family to attend college. Sam enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 and was stationed first in the US and later in England until 1960. Upon leaving the Air Force, Sam enrolled in SUNY Geneseo to become a teacher of Special Education. During his time at SUNY Geneseo, Sam met Pat and they married in 1965. He taught at the Canandaigua Academy and then at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES until his retirement. During his teaching career he also raised his two children and managed his farm. Sam was a big guy with a big heart, a big appetite and an even bigger sense of humor. Those who knew him could not escape his good-natured kidding and practical jokes. Sam left smiles on people’s faces wherever he went.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, November 16th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. Sam’s Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, November 17th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 8961 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. Burial, with military honors, will be held privately at Harder Cemetery, Livonia, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Livingston County Hospice, 2 Murray Hill Drive, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 or to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 150 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY 14642. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Pat I was so sorry to read of your husband’s passing. I am happy that you had so many years together and memories to cherish and reflect on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Carol Thompson
Erin and Family;
Sorry to read about your Dad’s passing. I remember him fondly from your games at FLCC. He was a great athlete and a better educator and person. God Bless you and your family during this tough time.
Sam and I were colleagues at Canandaigua Academy, and I always enjoyed my time with him.
I consider him a friend, but he was just about everyone’s friend. What a great guy! He will be missed.
To Sam’s entire family, and legion of friends. I too was part of that Class of ’55
and felt the long connection and friendship with Sam. There was nothing artificial about this man, just goodness and authenticity. He was a leader who loved us all
so well! Godspeed, Sam.
Peg (Murphy) Hogan
Mrs.McRae,
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of coming to your house, feeding baby cows and riding a horse with Erin.
You and your family are in my prayers. He was a very sweet man and he will be missed.
Tracy (Personate) English
I am Coach Baker’s daughter Barbara (Gene ) and remember Sam from my childhood. I remember thinking he was a giant when I was very young but he always had a smile on his face. As a teenager I always saw him at LCS basketball games.. He and Jim Stewart always sat at the highest bleachers and cheered my Dad’s teams on to victory.
Although Sam never knew me realky , just maybe as Coach’s kid, he was a big part of my childhood memories. May all his loved ones find comfort in your wonderful memories of such a lovely man.
Pat, I was so sorry to read of Sam’s passing. I remember meeting him when he visited the elementary school and thinking, “Wow! What a sweet guy! Pat and Sam must have a lot of fun together!” I really enjoyed reading the other messages from people who knew him well. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in my prayers. Love, Kathy Mannella
I had the privilege of working with Sam for many years at BOCES. I knew him when he was a Work Experience Coordinator and later we worked together at Flint when we started a vocational evaluation program for high school students. We went to New Jersey for training and spent about a week together down there. Sam was responsible for starting that program, getting the grant and working as the first vocational evaluator in the area. Just wanted to say that as some of the history might not be recalled.
Sam was a great guy, with a great sense of humor and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
Pat and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. What I remembered of Sam is that he was a joy to be around . His picture was just the way I remembered him, a kind loving person.
Love and prayers to you all .
Mary Hanlon
We are so sorry for the loss of Sam. Sending the family lots of love and prayers for peace. Love y’all!
So sorry to read of Sam’s passing. He taught with my mom, Helen VanFleet, at Canandaigua Academy. He helped me find my way to become a special ed teacher. I always enjoyed running into him at various BOCES meetings. He will certainly be missed by so many.
Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to all the McRae’s. Sam was such a kind soul. John and Margaret Bardenett
Dear Pat, Joseph, Erin and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to each of you . Sam truly was a reflection of fatherhood as St. Joseph was and a wonderful example of God’s unconditional love . May his going home to be with His Heavenly Father bring to you a peace, comfort, and faith in God’s merciful love for Sam. God be with you all in these difficult days.
Love,
Dave and Mary Jo Dussault
So very sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Always remember him sporting a great smile and kind words. He was a great asset to anything he touched. He will be missed by many.
Dear Pat, I am so sorry for your loss of Sam. Sam was a wonderful person and a gift to all who knew him. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Love, Mary Jo
Sam was an integral part of the St. Mary’s choir who kept everyone on their toes with his humor and unexpected pranks. He was a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
To Pat and family,
I am saddened and sad for your loss. Sam – our friend, leader and the glue of the Class of ’55. He will be missed by all, but never forgotten. He will always have a special place in our hearts and I know he will still be guiding us from above. RIP. My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. He was such a nice, caring person with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pat, and the rest of the family.
So sorry for your loss. Sam was a great guy. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Pat, Joe and Maureen & family and Erin – there are no words except that I am heartbroken for you all. I too am heartbroken. As you know, Sam and I shared a special bond for keeping our beloved Class of ’55 together all these years right up to the present. I will miss him terribly. Please accept my condolences during this most difficult time. Hold tight your many precious memories . My love, thoughts and prayers are with now and always.
Rest in peace and Godspeed my dear friend.
Prayers and condolences to Pat and Family. Sam was such a great person and touched many lives over his lifetime. He certainly will be missed. Much Love from Mary Lynn sand Family.
So sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. He was a great guy. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.