Claude Van Etten

Claude Van Etten, 65, of Apalachin, New York passed away unexpectedly on April 30, 2023. He was predeceased by his father, LeRoy VanEtten, his mother, Henrietta VanEtten, and his brother LaValle VanEtten. Claude is survived by; his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Virginia (Ginger) VanEtten; his three daughters, Patrece Poremba (Jeff), Jessica Calice (Tim), and Nicole Walter (Tommy); his siblings, Dale (Jane) VanEtten of Shandaken, NY; Clarke VanEtten (Debbie) of Big Indian, NY; and Blanche VanEtten of Shandaken, NY several nieces, nephews and cousins. Claude was a doting grandfather.  He always made time to play, rough house and love his 6 grandchildren, Lukas, Tanner, Jaxson, Sawyer, Eli and Emory. Claude graduated from Onteora High School and became a volunteer fire fighter for the Big Indian Fire Department during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. In 1993, Claude, Ginger and Nicole moved to Endicott, NY where he worked for the NYS DOT Region 9. He ended his career as a supervisor for the Bridge Crew. After retirement, he briefly served as a school bus driver for the Maine-Endwell School District. Claude was always willing to help out his family, friends, and neighbors.  He was very handy and could fix just about anything. One of Claude’s friends, Mike, once said, “In a world full of Mike’s, BE a Claude”. Claude will be terribly missed by all that loved him.   

There will be a celebration of life for Claude from 1-4 pm Friday, May 5th at the Vestal Elk’s Club 2071 Vestal Parkway West Vestal, NY 13850. Please express condolences at www.SavageFS.com. Claude was an animal lover and rescued all of their pets. In lieu of donations, please donate to a local animal shelter in Claude’s memory or to the Apalachin Fire Dept. PO Box 572 Apalachin, NY 13732.

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