WATERTOWN, NY — Earl W. Van Ness, 89, Watertown, passed away peacefully at his son and daughter-in-law’s home, Daniel and Cheryl, with his family at his side.
A prayer service will be held 10:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Mass at Holy Family Church with Rev. John Demo officiating. Spring burial will be in North Watertown Cemetery. Calling hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.
He was born July 23, 1930, a son to Garrett and Iva Pennock Van Ness in the family farmhouse on Point Peninsula.
He married Viola Kraus on Dec. 2, 1951. Viola passed on July 30, 2014.
Earl was a foreman in the transportation department at Niagara Mohawk / National Grid Power Corporation for 34 years.
Earl was a member of Holy Family Church, the Watertown Elks Lodge.
He enjoyed hunting with his boys, boating, golf, and held a private pilot’s license.
Earl is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Mark, Daniel and Cheryl, David and Kathy; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
The last of his family’s generation, he was predeceased by four sisters, Mildred Vallelunga, Florence Snyder, Nancy Brimmer and Jennie Van Ness, two brothers Arnold and Robert and a grandson, Garrett M. Van Ness.
The family would like to thank Hospice for the wonderful care and support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NYÂ 13601.
Online remembrances may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.