Raymond Jacob Hatstat

Raymond J. Hatstat Orange – Raymond J. Hatstat, 81, of 47 Red Brook Lane, died Saturday, April 30, 2011 at his home following a long illness.      Ray was born in Athol, Massachusetts, June 2, 1929, the son of Raymond A. and Irene (Wunderlich) Hatstat.  He grew up in Rutland where he attended schools and lived for many years.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Ray and his family have resided in Orange for the past 28 years.      Ray worked as a machinist all of his life working for several companies and for many years for American National Can in Fitchburg until his retirement.  He was very involved in stock car racing at Lebanon Valley, Monadnock and Claremont Speedways for many years.  He also had a great interest in horses being the owner of several horses at the former Hinsdale Raceway Harness Racing Track where his favorite horse “Royal Eleanor” was a big winner.  Ray was one who could fix just about anything and always had several challenging projects going on.      He leaves his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (LaBombard) Hatstat; two sons, Stanley Hatstat of Orange and Steven Hatstat of Keene, NH; a daughter, Beth Ellen Hatstat of Greenfield; five grandchildren; four great-granddaughters and a great grandson.  He also leaves a brother, Lawrence Hatstat and his wife Betty of North Brookfield; two sisters, Frances Locke and her husband Robert and Irene Lapointe and her husband Walter, both of Rutland and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Raymond A. Hatstat in 1954      A service with military honors will be held Friday, May 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.  There are no calling hours and in lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to:  the American Lung Association, 393 Maple St., Springfield, MA  01105.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol, MA is directing arrangements.  For more information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });