Port Jervis honors homeless vet, three weeks after he died

PORT JERVIS – Edward Rayfield of Port Jervis proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  He died on August 31, a day after being struck by a car in Matamoras, PA, across the river from Port Jervis.

It took some time to track down relatives.

On Monday, a funeral was held in Port Jervis.

Fourth Ward Councilman Stanley Siegel reported at Monday night’s meeting that there was an outpouring of honor for the homeless veteran.

“I’d like to thank the Auchmoody’s [funeral home], the veterans groups that were at the funeral and the cemetery, the motorcycle groups that were at the funeral in assembly, the New Jersey Veterans Cemetery for providing space for Mr. Rayfield, the U.S. Army, the people along the route, the fire departments, the police departments, the citizens, all those people that waived flags,” Siegel said.

Rayfield was 52.  Among the survivors are a daughter, four sons and four brothers.