Daniel P Vanderwerken

Rotterdam – Daniel P. VanDerWerken, 79, died in his wife’s loving arms, surrounded by his children, on Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 after complications from Covid-19. Daniel was born in Schenectady, a son of the late Stanley and Beatrice (Friguletto) VanDerWerken. He graduated from St. Columbus High School in 1960 and then attended SUNY Cobleskill for one year before joining the United States Air Force. On May 8th, 1965, Dan married the love of his life, Carole A. (Bray) VanDerWerken. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage full of travel and fun. After his military service, Dan went on to have a 45 year career with Niagara Mohawk. Once retired, Dan kept busy bartending at the Rotterdam Elks, travelling with his wife and working as an inspector for Dekatherm. Dan was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge #2157. He played in the dart and golf leagues and was the unofficial travel agent for all the Elks trips. He was a diehard NY Yankees and NY Giants fan and loved taking trips to see games with his family and friends. Beyond all things, Dan was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a strong but gentle man and a friend to everyone. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole VanDerWerken; daughters, Colleen Ferrari (Joseph), Christine Marshall (Duane) and Cheryl Purello (Michael); grandchildren, Joseph Ferrari (Allie), Julianna Ferrari (Jess), Duane Marshall Jr. (Nicole), Bryana Marshall (Ryan), Alyssa Marshall (Shakeer), Salvatore Purello (Ashley) and Michael Purello; adopted kids, Kim Cary and Floyd Goska and adopted grandson, Mikey Wallace. He is also survived by his siblings, John VanDerWerken (Lorraine) and Rose DeVincenzo as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Anne and Donald Bray; brothers-in-law, Richard Bray and Ronald DeVincenzo and nephew, Richard John VanDerWerken. Calling hours will take place on Monday from 4-8pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin Tuesday at 12pm at the funeral home and will be followed by a mass of Christian burial at 1pm at St. Luke’s Church, State St., Schenectady. Dan will be buried with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Rotterdam. Memorial donations in Dan’s name may be made to St. Luke’s Church, 1241 State St., Schenectady, NY 12304.