Obituary Van de Wal, Robert J. Rensselaer-Robert J. Van de Wal, 92, died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family, on April 16, 2019, at home in Franciscan Heights, Rensselaer, NY. He was the son of the late Derickus and Mary (Salisbury) Van de Wal. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Leona (Hutchings) Van de Wal, son Dale R. and Eve Van de Wal, daughters Sally Lamberson, Nancy Pavelich, and Brenda Van de Wal, and grandchildren Ann Van de Wal (fiancé Frank Candella), Robert Van de Wal (fiancée Alyssa Alberico), and Karly Lamberson. Robert was “Dad” to Catherine Ernst and “Grandpa” to the Hazelet Family. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Anna Van de Wal, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers David (Mary), Ray, Walter (Anna May), baby brother Benjamin, and nephew Walter Van de Wal, Jr. Robert lived in Castleton most of his life. He graduated from Castleton High School, served in the Army during World War II, and then in the National Guard. He worked at Anti-Corrosive Metal Products for 20 years and retired from the NYS Dept of Social Services in 1991. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, water sports, camping, gardening, bird watching, and bowling, and he loved nature and being outdoors. Most of all he enjoyed being with his family. In his youth Robert was proud to have won the Soap Box Derby in Castleton, going on to compete in the same in Chicago. He was a Boy Scout, and later he helped with Little League and was a member of the Schodack Rod and Gun Club, where he won many trap-shooting trophies. He was a 58-year member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, a long-time member of the Esquatak Historical Society, and a member of the Swartz Senior Center. Visiting hours will be held at Ray Funeral Home on Saturday, April 20th, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a service to begin at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1583 Carney Road, Castleton, NY 12033, will be greatly appreciated. Private interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Ray Funeral Service, Inc. 59 Seaman Ave. Castleton, NY 12033 (518)732-7663 Martin G. Ray To send flowers to Robert's family, please visit our floral section.