John R. Van Der Werken

Rotterdam - John R. Van Der Werken passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2025 with his wife and sister by his side.  He was 79 years old.  His brother, Danny, met him at the Pearly Gates with a Manhattan.  John was the son of Stanley and Beatrice (Friguletto) Van Der Werken.  John graduated from Mont Pleasant H.S., joined the Air Force and then came home to complete his education at Siena with a degree in Accounting.  He was employed by the State of New York for over 30 years, retiring in 2001.  John loved trips to Cape Cod and various casinos where he was always trying to find a "winning" slot machine.  John is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of 42 years; his son, Jonathan (Samantha); sister, Rose DeVincenzo (Ronald, deceased); sister-in-law Carole Van Der Werken (Danny, deceased); brother-in-law, Howard Flack (Deb); Aunt Marilyn Friguletto (Peter, deceased) and seven nieces and one nephew.  He is also survived by his cats, Sophie, Skittles and Rocky.  John was predeceased by his parents; his son, Richie; brother, Danny; brother-in-law, Ronald and many aunts and uncles.   Many thanks to Laurie, Nicole, Karen, Bella and Jackie at Schenectady Rehab. and also to Milly from Hospice who made it possible for John to be in his home at the end.

A prayer service will be held 1:30 pm Monday, March 3rd at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Visitation will precede the service from 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

The family requests flowers not be sent and contributions be made in John's memory to Kitten Angels (233 Houseman St., Mayfield, NY 12117) or St. Luke's Food Pantry (1241 State St., Schenectady, NY 12304).