Obituary of Raymond "Ray" Keller

Raymond “Ray” Keller has made his final out. It was high and inside. Everyone thinks it was an unfair call, But Ray like he lived his entire life, with patience and grace accepted the Head umpires call, tipped his hat to the people he loved and went quietly off the field. 

Ray can say that he lived a very full life. And he experienced many incredible things. Traveling often and seeking adventure. However, It is the people around him who he would count as his greatest achievements. He umpired high school and college baseball and softball for over 30 years. Teaching many generations of umpires along the way. He was a neighbor to so many in the Hamlet of West Crescent. Serving as volunteer fireman and commissioner. The fire house that stands today was made possible by contributions him and his colleagues have made over the years. There is an untold number of New York sportsmen that will miss Ray dearly this Fall when they are in need of a Butcher. Ray’s profession since he left the Coast Guard. His second career was working for the Town of Halfmoon as the driver for the senior express. His sphere of influence expanding even more to those of the community. Ray lived his life in service of others no matter who they were. The special ones though were those of his family. His late Wife Kathy who he will be so happy to get back to. His children; Michele, John, Keith and daughter in-law Christine.  His grandchildren; Michael, Kayla, Madison and John. His entire extended family as well who are too numerous to list and to anyone else that knew Ray you were as good as family to him. He would not hesitate to help in any way he could.

We don’t know where he has gone too, and we will all feel his absence daily. But I can tell you this, whatever part of heaven that all the dogs go to, that is where you will find him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 20 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a memorial service at 8 p.m. at the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., 1597 Route 9 in Clifton Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Glenville, NY 12302.