Wilton, NY - J. Charles Van Rensselaer passed away Monday evening, Oct. 15, 2012 at Saratoga Hospital after a brief illness. He was 95. Charlie was born on June 23,1917 to Leslie H. Van Rensselaer of Wilton and Maude E. Murphy of Northumberland. He was a lifelong resident of Wilton and the fourth generation of family to live in the village of Wilton. His great grandfather, Abram Van Rensselaer settled here in the 1850's as a gentleman farmer and built and operated a saw mill in the town of Moreau. His grandfather, Charles C. Van Rensselaer was the first proprietor of the Wilton General Store and Postmaster. His father, Leslie Van Rensselaer continued the family business until 1960. Charlie attended the Wilton Academy, Saratoga High School and was a graduate of Skidmore College, class of 1954, where he studied Political Science and Economics. He was a veteran of WWII and served in the US Army in Europe. He worked in the NYS Legislature from 1954-1977, as Chief Journal Clerk of the Assembly. He married his high school sweetheart, Regina M Jornson in 1941. Charlie was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Gansevoort Masonic Lodge, the Holland Society of New York, the Dutch Settlers of Albany, a founding member of the Wilton Volunteer Fire Dept., the Wilton Heritage Society and the Senior Center of Wilton. He was a direct descendant of Killian Van Rensselaer, the first Patroon of Rensselaerwyck, and his son Jeremias, who came here in the late 1600's to manage the tract of land that now extends from Albany and south to Claverack. Charlie became the last patroon in this branch, being predeceased by his brother, Stanley Van Rensselaer, former NYS Assemblymen. Charlie enjoyed bowling for many years in several leagues. He also enjoyed playing cards and dancing with his many friends in the area. He followed college basketball, was an avid reader and enjoyed a good crossword puzzle right up to his recent illness. Charlie was a devoted husband and loving father. He was predeceased by his wife, Regina, whom he always referred to as his sweetheart. Survivors include his daughter, Jan Van Rensselaer Soron and granddaughter, Emma Kate Soron. He also leaves behind his nieces, Anne Van Rensselaer Egan, Kristina Van Rensselaer Allen, Jane Van Rensselaer Hines and Wenda Whitford McLaughlin and nephews, Kim McAllister and Neil McAllister and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He had many dear friends in this community. Relatives and friends may call from 10 to 12noon Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the following, Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Capital District Region, Pine West Plaza, Building 4, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205, American Cancer Societ, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or the American Heart Association,440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY12205. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.