HAMILTON – Jack C. VanAuken, Sr., 78, of Preston Hill Rd., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 at Community Memorial Hospital, Hamilton.
He was born Oct. 2, 1930 in Swartswood, N.J., a son of the late Leon and Emma Washer VanAuken. He was a graduate of Newton High School in Newton, N.J., where he was active in the Future Farmers of America. He was a dairy farmer who owned and operated the Preston Hill Farm in Hamilton until his retirement. On Oct. 23, 1954, Jack was united in marriage to Mary Y. Pittenger in Tranquility, N.J. Jack was a devoted family man who took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Besides farming, he also enjoyed hunting, and was a former member of the Green Township (N.J.) Volunteer Fire Department.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Mary; his children, Glenda and William Penoyer of Hamilton; Jack C. VanAuken, Jr. of South Utica; Warren and Michelle VanAuken of Hamilton; Brian and Lisa VanAuken of Oriskany Falls; sisters and brother-in-law, Shirley and Wayne Savacool of Newton, N.C. and Betty Westra of Green Township, N.J.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Betty VanAuken of Saylorsburg, Pa.; Richard and Jean VanAuken of Green Township, N.J.; nine grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton, followed by interment in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday (today) from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., prior to the service.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057.