Edward Van Valkenburg

Van Valkenburg, Edward W., West Sand Lake, NY Edward W. Van Valkenburg, 88, of West Sand Lake, NY passed away suddenly on March 5, 2018. Born in Rensselaer, NY to William and Anna (Haggerty)Van Valkenburg. He was proprietor of the Burden Lake Casino until its closing. After serving in the Navy he joined the Rensselaer City Police force. Ed worked and retired from Sears in Colonie as their Loss Prevention Manager and overseeing the opening of Sears stores throughout the Northeast for over 25 years. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Emeline Whalen Van Valkenburg and three daughters, Nancy (Martin) Conroy of Ballston Lake, NY, Jill (Douglas) Messer of Sunnyvale, CA, and Tara (David) Booker of Loudonville, NY. Proud Pa to Jason (Marcee) Browe, Liza (Rob) Browe, Kia (Geoffrey) Loiacono, Kyle (Ali) Beck, Courtney (David) Patnode, Davis Messer, Anna Messer, Isaac Messer, Jonah Booker and Aidan Booker. Step grandfather to Greg, Drew and Meghan Conroy. Great-Pa to Leah, Jamison, Adrianna, Gianna, Lilianna, Juliette, Dalton and Drake. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Edward was pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters Dorothy and Helen Van Valkenburg and his precious daughter, Lori Beck. Edward was a proud 70 year member of the James Hill Hook and Ladder Company of Rensselaer and the Knights of Columbus. Ed was an avid New York Yankees fan and was looking forward to another exciting season. He received great enjoyment attending and cheering on his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a great son, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. His sense of humor and quick wit will be missed by all. A special thank you to the WSL volunteer ambulance team and all emergency responders for the quick and compassionate response. Relatives and friends may call at the W.J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 4 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be Celebrated on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 9am at St. Michael's the Archangel Church, Williams Road, Troy, followed by interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.