Raymond E. Van Hatten, 86, of Marcy passed away peacefully at home. Ray was born on November 24, 1926, son of the late Louis and Rachel Leibel Van Hatten. After serving in the U. S. Navy, he was united in marriage on November 29, 1947 to Marion Van Etten in St. Joseph's Church, Utica, NY, a blessed union of 65 years. Ray was the last surviving charter member of the Maynard Fire Department, that was established in June 1953. Beginning in 1956, he served as Commissioner of the Department for 38 years, with many of those years as acting chairman. He also served at the 3rd Fire Chief of the Department from 1962 thru 1963. He was employed by Ray Benson/Fred Girard Chevrolet for many years, first as a mechanic, then a salesman, and later as used car manager. He later founded, owned and operated Rust Solv of Utica until his retirement. In his retirement, he and his son, Gary, planned and built Twin Maple Apartments in Marcy. Ray and Marion loved camping, and traveled to many different places, but especially enjoyed being with their family and friends at Cedar Point Campgrounds, on the St. Lawrence River. In his younger years, Ray was an avid bowler. Ray is survived by his wife Marion, his children, daughter, Bernadette Scharbach and husband Stephen, sons, Gary and his wife Donna, Patrick and his wife Patricia, Richard and his wife, Sharon, Timothy and his wife Theresa, Edward and his wife Lori, and Paul and his wife Melissa. Ray and Marion were also blessed with many grandchildren, Scott, David and John Van Hatten, Paul and Thomas Scharbach, Kristy Van Hatten, Lori Smith, Amy Van Hatten-Brennan, Keri Roys, Sean and Shane Van Hatten, Rachel Cosamano, Jenna, Joleen, and Travis Van Hatten and Allison Van Hatten. Ray also leaves behind 13 special great grandchildren, and one sister, Sister Miriam Van Hatten, OSF, plus many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Frank, Bernard, Herbert, Clarence, Albert, and sisters, Delia Anson and Genevieve Gibbs. A funeral service for Mr. Van Hatten will be held Wednesday January, 2, 2013 at 11:00 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Maynard Fire Department, P. O. Box 377, Marcy, NY 13403, which was such an important part of Ray's life, or a charity of your choice. As a family, we feel blessed to have so many good memories, and so many friends and acquaintances as a result of Ray's life on earth.