Rev. Henry J. Verdaasdonk

**DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THE SERVICES FOR REV. HENRY J. VERDAASDONK HAVE BEEN POSTPONED TO THE FOLLOWING DATES:** Calling Hours: Thursday, 3/16, 4-8pm, W.C. Brady's Sons Funeral Home Funeral: Friday, 3/17, 11am, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Catskill Interment: Immediately following funeral service (Friday 3/17) at Riverside Cemetery, Coxsackie, with full military honors. Verdaasdonk, Rev. Henry J., entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 11, at Greene Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Henry was born at home in Coxsackie, NY on August 18, 1935 to the late Jacobus & Maria (Pfeiffer) Verdaasdonk. He graduated in 1953 from Coxsackie-Athens High School, and enjoyed staying in touch with his classmates at their yearly reunions. After capturing her attention by continuously stealing candy at the store she worked at, Henry married Joyce Flansburg on April 13, 1958, and they were married for almost 59 years. Thirty-two days after their wedding day he was drafted into the Army, and was stationed in France until 1960, forming friendships that would last a lifetime. Upon his return home, he continued his career in the United States Postal Service, working his way up to Postmaster, first in South Westerlo, and later in Athens, NY. Following his retirement, Henry followed his calling to become an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, and humbly served as Deacon at St. Luke’s in Catskill, where he ministered to the needs of the congregation, visiting and tending to the homebound, the sick and the elderly. Henry loved growing up and living by the Hudson River, teaching his children and grandchildren to fish, and spending warm summer days with Joyce at their favorite fishing spot. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell a story. He had a gentle soul and a humble heart, and touched many lives with his warmth and genuinely kind nature. He will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Henry was predeceased by his twin sister, Elizabeth Mosley, his brother Jack, nephew Christopher, half-brother Carl Romer, his in-laws, Clyde & Danetta Flansburg, and his beloved daughter-in-law Kathy. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife Joyce, his favorite (only) daughter Sherry (Dave) Rose, adored grandchildren Alex and Meghan Rose of Albany, NY; sons Wayne (Melissa) of Hampton, VA, and Joseph (Melody) and grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Zachary and step-grandson Kyle of Corfu, NY, as well as his brothers-in-law Jerry (Donna) Flansburg and Raymond (Maureen) Mosley; Jonathan Kipp and family, granddaughter Joan and several nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for all the loving care that Henry has received during his stay at Greene Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, NY on Thursday., March 16. The funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Fri., March 17 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 50 William Street, Catskill, NY. Interment, with full military honors, will immediately follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Coxsackie. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Henry’s name. Condolences may be made at www.wcbradyssonsinc.net.

Rev. Henry J. Verdaasdonk

August 18, 1935 - March 11, 2017