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.
