Mr. Raymond J. Beerhalter, 76, of N. Utica and a winter resident of Jupiter, FL, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. Raymond was born in Utica on August 16, 1931, the son of Nicholas and Rose (Sauther) Beerhalter. He was raised locally, attended Sacred Heart Grade School and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School. As a US Army veteran, Raymond honorably served 2 years active duty and over 20 years in the Army National Guard, where he proudly served with the 102nd Military Police, 205th Support Group under General Szczygiel and the 42nd Infantry Division under General Evans, until retiring on August 25, 1991, as Sergeant Major. On April 25, 1953, Raymond married Virginia Algustowski in Holy Trinity Church in Utica. He was employed with Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, The National Guard Armory in Utica and for many years as a supervisor with Special Metals until his retirement in 1990. At one time he was the owner and operator of Northland Sales and Service snowmobile shop. Raymond was a member of American Legion Utica Post 229, Jupiter Inlet Fishing Club, Jupiter, FL, the Greenfield Fish and Game Club, Deerfield, and The NRA and was a parishioner of St. Peter's Church, N. Utica. An avid outdoorsman, Raymond's true passions were fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and especially spending time at his camp on Hinckley Lake. He would take daily trips to the Land and Sea boat repair shop, where he enjoyed the time he spent with his son and was always ready to lend a hand and share his vast mechanical abilities. Raymond took meticulous care of everything, most importantly his camp and his tools. He enjoyed refinishing fishing poles, golf clubs and doing stain glass work. A man who truly enjoyed life, he received the greatest joy from his seven grandchildren, whom he cherished with all his heart. Mr. Beerhalter will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Virginia; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Mark Smith, Utica, and Susan and Gary Taurisani, Utica; one son, Ronald Beerhalter, Marcy; seven cherished grandchildren, Gary Taurisani, Amanda Taurisani and Daniel Taurisani, all of Utica, Ryan Gallagher, Utica, Shane Gallagher, AZ, and Karissa Beerhalter and Kaitlin Beerhalter, both of Floyd; a brother-in-law, Edward Algustowski, Sylvan Beach; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends in Utica and Jupiter, FL. Mr. Beerhalter's funeral will be held Monday, February 11, 2008, at 8:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, and 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment with military honors will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Yorkville. Calling hours for family and friends are Sunday (today) 4:00-8:00 p.m. Those so wishing may consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Raymond's memory. Mr. Beerhalter's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Yoss, Dr. Kaul, Dr. Kachare, Bob Cename and the staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 3C and ICU, especially Debbie, for the compassionate care you provided to Raymond in his last few days. Your kindness and love will not be forgotten.