ILION - Raymond Pettengill, age 85, formerly on Maple Lane, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, October 8, 2009, in the Masonic Care Community,Utica. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on July 7, 1924, in Ilionson of the late Raymond Sr. and Harriett Buckley Pettengill. A lifelong area resident he was raised in Ilion and was a graduate of Ilion High School. On October 19, 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Housatonic in Casablanca, North Africa, Algeriaand French Morocco. He was honorably discharged on March 15, 1946, attaining the rank of Machinists Mate Second Class. On April 14, 1951, he was united in marriage with the former Jennie Abeline in Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. They first lived in Herkimer and moved to Ilion in 1987. Mr. Pettengill worked as a cutter grinder for the Remington Arms Company, Ilion for forty years, retiring in 1982. He was a life member of both Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915 Herkimer, and Crowley Barnum American Legion Post #25 Mohawk, he was a member of Ilion Elks Lodge #1444, B.P.O.E. and a former member of the Ilion Moose Club #1010. In his leisure time he enjoyed music and dancing. Ray was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family especially his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Surviving are his devoted wife of fifty-eight years Jennie, two sons and their wives, William and Deborah Pettengill of Herkimer, Michael and Mary Jean Be Pettengill of Pittsford, four daughters, Christine Semit of Herkimer, Patricia Scalise and her husband Michael of Herkimer, Susan Knapp and her husband David of Little Falls, Michele Sweet and her husband Michael of Herkimer, two brothers, Richard Pettengill of Ilion, Alan Pettengill and his wife Sharon of Herkimer, a sister, Betty Casadonte of Mohawk, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Mark Semit. Funeral service will be held on Sunday at 3:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. His son-in-law, Pastor Michael Sweet of the New Life Churchand Ministry Center will officiate. Interment with military honors accorded by the US Navy will be on Monday at 10:00 am in Mountain View MemorialGardens, town of Little Falls. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 1:00 until 3:00 pm. Members of Ilion Elks Lodge #1444 B.P.O.E. are asked to meet at the funeral home at 2:30 pm on Sunday for ritualistic services. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Herkimer County Humane Society or the Alzheimers Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Masonic Care Community and especially the Woodgate Staff for all the wonderful care and compassion shown to the man affectionately known as Papa during his stay.