John E. Van De Water

John E. Van De Water: Craryville - John Earl Van De Water, 62, a resident of Columbia County and a former resident of Pleasant Valley, NY passed away on April 30, 2013, at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY.

John was born on January 1, 1951 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of Earl and Nancy (Beatty) Van De Water. He married Rose Ann (Lamendola) Van De Water on October 11, 1986 in Poughkeepsie, NY.

John was a heavy duty truck mechanic all his life and most recently at Ben Funk, Inc. in Hudson, NY for the past 12 years. He shared his love of mechanics with family, friends and whoever was in need. In his youth, he was an active/avid motorcyclist and his love for riding never faded.

John felt he met Bob Engel in November 2011 for a reason. He was a person John wished he'd known his entire life. Bob Engel was the person that John said gave him more time with his friends and family by strongly suggesting he see Dr. Reyes at the Dyson Cancer Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.

In addition to his loving wife, Rose Ann, he survived by his daughter, Jennifer Van De Water of Fishkill, NY; his son, Dylan Van De Water of Craryville, NY; his lifelong friend, Mike Granger, and his wife, Laurie of New Fane, VT; and great friends, the Wayne Stickles' family of Copake, NY. He was predeceased by a brother, Albert T. Van De Water.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Reyes and Dr. Colvin at Hudson Valley Hematology and Oncology at the Dyson Center; also a thanks to Emma and the entire nursing staff there as well. In addition, they would like to thank Dr. Pearlstein of Columbia Memorial Hospital. A very special thanks to Ben Funk, Inc for their endless support throughout the years.

John's wish was to be cremated and a memorial service will be held on June 15, 2013 at 11am at St. John of the Wilderness Church, 261 State Route 344, Copake Falls, NY 12517. All in attendance, please wear bright colors as this was John's wish. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John's name to St. Jude's Childrens' Hospital at www.stjude.org/donatenow.

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