Raymond J. Hartel Jr.

It is with profound sadness that the Bowmansville Vol. Fire Association announces the tragic passing of Raymond “Ray” Hartel. Ray was 70 years old and was a 49-year active member of our Association.

Ray was a part of the fabric of Bowmansville where he served as President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Captain, Lieutenant, Foreman, EMS Captain and EMS Lieutenant. During his time, he worked on our LOSAP committee, was Chairman of our 1996 Heavy Rescue Truck, was on the Committee for our 1999 E-One Pumper, was on the Annual Fund Drive Committee as well as Scholarship Committee, Town Contract Committee, Constitution and By Laws Committee, Telethon Committee, Family Picnic Committee and Holiday Parties Committees. He was a proud member of the BVFA Softball team for many years and his contributions to our organization are far more than could ever be listed.

As a current EMT he was a regular Top 10 responder and had been for the majority of his years. There wasn’t a day that went by where he wasn’t at Station 1 working on something for our Association. Ray was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year and was awarded the Howard Scrace Award on multiple occasions. The Howard Scrace Award is the highest award given at Bowmansville.

Ray will be remembered for so much and was an integral part of making our organization function on a day-to-day basis. Whenever anyone needed anything, they knew to start with Ray. Ray was Bowmansville. He wore the name proudly and while he didn’t enjoy the spotlight he was always doing anything and everything he could for the members and families of Bowmansville. Most of all, Ray will be remembered as a brother to us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his loved ones. Rest easy Ray, we’ll take it from here!

Ray’s sister, Cynthia Cook, and family will receive friends at the DANZER DENGLER ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME on Monday September 8, 2025 from 4 – 7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday September 9, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church 5337 Genesee St, Bowmansville, NY 14026 with a committal service and Fire Department honors to immediately follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please assemble at the church. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Ray’s memory to the Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association at 36 Main St, Bowmansville, NY 14026. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.danzerdenglerandrobertsfuneral.com