HUDSON FALLS – Richard “Dick” Van Aernem, 75, a lifelong Hudson Falls resident, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the Albany Medical Center.
Born on October 8, 1940, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Gorman and Edna (Train) Van Aernem.
Dick was a 1958 graduate of Hudson Falls High School and soon after, enlisted in the United States Air Force. He loved flying, and was very proud to have his private Pilot’s License. Dick enjoyed taking his family and friends up in the air.
He was co-owner of Van Aernem’s Dairy, until he sold out to his brother, Tom. After leaving the milk business, Dick was employed at Finch Pryne, retiring after 20 years. After his retirement, he worked part time for the Washington County Jail and the Queensbury Country Club.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church. Flying and playing golf were at the top of Dick’s most favorite places to be. But, the most important part of his life was his family. Dick loved his best friend, Lori, his children, his siblings and his friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Van Aernem and his sister-in-law, Carol Ann Van Aernem.
Dick is survived by his children, Beth Ann Van Aernem, Lindsey Van Aernem and Steven Van Aernem; his granddaughter, Brooke Saunders; his loving companion, Lori Henry; his siblings, George Van Aernem, Mary Hafner and her husband, Harry, Tom Van Aernem and his wife, Renee; his sister-in-law, Barbara Van Aernem; his nieces and nephews, Robbie Van Aernem and his wife, Stacie, Kristin Siefert and her husband, Tim, Jennifer Van Aernem, Brian Van Aernem and his wife, Linsey, Kate Abare, Kim Grover and her husband Mike, Tim Van Aernem, Julie Durham and her husband, Bill, Rich Hafner and his wife, Kelli, Erik Hafner and his wife, Linda, Laura Gillis and her husband, Scott and Krissy Hart and her husband, Phil; and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Monday, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Tuesday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the Park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, with full military honors provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Dick’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501, St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Dear George and family. Words can not express how saddened we were to hear about Dick’s passing. We wish we could be there for you at this difficult time. Dick will be missed by many. He was a very nice friend who always had a smile on his face. I’m sure he and Carol are whooping it up in Heaven!!! Love You Lots. Pat and Dave
To Lori Henry and the Van Aernem family,I and my wife send our deepest heartfelt sympathies. Dick was one of my best friends and a great guy,I will miss him tremendously.RIP Dick.
We were so saddened to hear of Dick’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick’s family and friends during this very difficult time. Dick was a great guy and a good friend and I will miss him. We are in Myrtle Beach until Thanksgiving and in Dick’s memory we are sponsoring a years worth of food for a needy child via “Help For Kids” in Myrtle Beach, SC. RIP my friend.
Dick was such a good guy. On my second day at QCC, he asked if I remembered his name, and I couldn’t, so I called him Tony. He then called me Zelda, and the names stuck (with a smile) for many years. He will be missed.
Lori, Our deepest sympathy to you and Dickies family. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Barb, Steve and Ashley Ringler.
To the Van Aernem family. Very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. We were good friends on 4th Ave, good friends all through school, and good teammates in sports . I have many fond memories of him and myself. Not to mention him talking me into getting up at 5 A.M. To help him and his father deliver milk.
We are so sorry to hear of this sad news. Dickie was one of the nicest people and always so funny and friendly everytime we saw him at QCC. He will be missed.
With our most sincere sympathy, Kathy & John Tarrant
Lori, We are so sorry for your loss, Dick was a great guy , so glad we had a chance to know him. Our condolences to all the family. God bless Vin and Sherrie Petteys
Our condolences to all the Van Aernem family especially to our classmate and friend, Maryellen. Our prayers are for Dick and for all of you at this sorrowful time. Bless you, Mike and Ann Marie
So sorry to hear the sad news. He was our milkman for many years on Beech Street, not to mention a good customer of the furniture store. My days of knowing him go way back to my Junior year at HFHS and the Maplewood Dairy. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Marty
To Lori and the Van Aernem family,
Words can’t express how much I thought of and enjoyed knowing and talking with Dick throughout the years. I have such wonderful memories that start as a kid growing up around Dick and the entire Van Aernem family. Those memories are a very important part of my life. What a wonderful family you have. I am deeply saddened by the loss. I am sorry that I will not be able to make it tonight but please know that Dick, Lori and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you Dickie
I was very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Always friendly and outgoing. My sincere sympathy to the family for your loss.
Our condolences the the Van Arenem family. You have our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Dick was such a joy to work with at Finch. He was always smiling and such a positive person to be around. He will be surely missed. You are now flying with your own “wings” in the fields of Heaven.