Raymond M. Van Hoesen III

Raymond M. Van Hoesen III, often called Diddy or Ray, was born to the union of the late Raymond M. Van Hoesen Jr. and Rubie Van Hoesen (Willingham) on November 20th, 1947, in Albany, New York. He was the second of nine (9) children. 

Ray received his education at St. Joseph’s Academy in Albany, NY before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 during the Vietnam War. Ray became Catholic while he served in the military. In 1968, he was honorably discharged and became a member of VFW 357 (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Ray met and later married his former wife, Linda Van Hoesen (Zaloga) in 1974. From that union, three beautiful children were born: Kristopher, Jeffrey, and Jenna whom they raised in Schenectady, NY. He was employed by Edgcomb Steel and the United States Postal Service.  

Ray was accomplished in sports, particularly softball, baseball, and basketball. In August 2013, Ray was recognized on the Wall of Fame “Sports Legends” for his dedication, accomplishments and contributions to the History of Softball and Sports in Arbor Hill. He coached Little League baseball for many years, so it is not surprising that he was a father-like figure, teacher, and mentor to others. Around the house, Ray was an excellent handyman. Although, he often over engineered just about everything. He was also a die-hard fan of the LA Dodgers and Miami Dolphins regardless of their season. But above all, you could often catch Ray at Stewart’s playing the lottery or getting scratch offs.

Ray was a well-known, hilarious, and humble person who had a positive impact on the lives of many people. He enjoyed fishing, camping, bowling and being informed on the current news, whether it was Fox News or the latest gossip. Ray was strong-willed and some discussions with him could get very intense. He was very patriotic and was honored to have served his country. 

Ray peacefully entered eternal life at his residence on Friday, September 30, 2022, to join his parents; Raymond M. Van Hoesen Jr. and Rubie Van Hoesen (Willingham), son; Raymond E. Van Hoesen, siblings; Mary Ann Carter, Nancy Van Hoesen, Theresa Paitsel, Dorothy Van Hoesen, Judy Coleman, and John Henry Van Hoesen (Bo); a niece; and nephews. 

Ray leaves behind cherishing memories to his sons: Kristopher Van Hoesen and Jeffrey Van Hoesen of Schenectady, NY; his daughter: Jenna Van Hoesen of Austin, TX; seven grandchildren: Rayshawn Jones (Marissa), Kristopher Van Hoesen Jr., Jaiden Van Hoesen, Ta’Sheem Jones, Kamren Van Hoesen, Krislyn Van Hoesen, and Jeffrey’s unborn daughter due late 2022; three great grandchildren: Jayla, Gianna, and Rayshawn’s unborn son due October 2022; a brother: Richard J. Van Hoesen of Detroit, MI; a sister: Michele Van Hoesen of Schenectady, NY; former wife: Linda Van Hoesen (Zaloga) of Amsterdam, NY; and a host of relatives and loved ones.  

Raymond “Diddy” M. Van Hoesen III has touched the lives of many and left his footprint in this world. He will remain in everyone’s heart and his infectious smile and laugh shall be missed by all. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the DeLegge Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service to begin at 12 noon.  Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Albany, NY. 
 

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven; A time to be born, 

And a time to die; A time to pluck what is planted; I know what God does, It shall be.”

Ecc. 3: 1, 2, and 14

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond M. Van Hoesen III, please visit our floral store.