Mr. Robert O. Van Valkenburg

Bob was a lifetime resident of Athens and loved his community. He was the son of the late Orrin and Edna Van Valkenburg and brother of Arlene Bruno. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of forty five years Rosemarie (Ro) O’Connell and is survived by five children, Robert (Laura) of Coxsackie, Michael of Athens, Timothy (Lisa) of Atlanta, GA, Lisa (Rick) Donovan of Lee, MA and Kim (Lek) Nazi of Coxsackie. Bob cherished his ten grandchildren Bob Jr. (April), Erin (Adam) Clayton, Caitlin Van Valkenburg, Nicole (Kenneth) Bliss, Mark Nazi, Elizabeth (Jordan) Saccoccie, Emily Nazi, Alex Donovan, Jack Donovan, Chelsea Van Valkenburg, and his first born great grandchild Calvin Clayton. He was a graduate of Hartwick College and member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. A proud veteran of World War II and Korea, he served his country in the US Navy, achieving the rank of Seaman second class and was awarded medals for the American Campaign, Asiatic Campaign, and World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 187 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During his career Bob was a well known area Excavating Contractor, founding the family business and serving as President of Orrin Van Valkenburg and Son Inc. for fifty years. Bob was very active in his community, serving nine years on the Coxsackie- Athens School Board and as its President, sixteen years as Athens Town Justice, and seven years as Athens Town Highway Superintendent. He served as a member and Chairman of the Athens Republican Committee, was a member of the Athens Paddock Club, Vice President of the Athens Rivertown Senior Apartments, a Past President of the D.R. Evarts Library and served on the board and as President of the Athens Rural Cemetery Association. He served as a member and Chairman of the Athens Republican Committee. He was a member of the W. C. Brady Hook and Ladder Company and Athens Fire Department for over sixty years. For the past five years Bob has been a member of the FASNY Fireman’s Home located in Hudson, NY. He loved spending time with his family, was an avid motorcyclist and a fanatic golfer. His final wish was that he not be mourned, but that his friends and family celebrate his life, he always said he had it all. Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 4-7PM at Richards Funeral Home, 28 N. Vernon Street, Athens. Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at The Second Reformed Church, Church Street, Athens, NY. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Firemen’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY 12534. Condolences may be made at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Mr. Robert O. Van Valkenburg

August 7, 1927 - May 26, 2016