John VanCleef Jr.

1944 - 2015

John H. Van Cleef, Jr., age 71 of Warren, Ohio died Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren. He was born March 10, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York the son of the late John Henry and Persis Hathaway Van Cleef, Sr. He and his companion, Janice moved to Warren from Frederick, Maryland.

John was raised in Cooperstown, New York, graduated from high school in New York state and received a bachelors in business administration from Mayville University in Mayville, N. Dakota. He retired in 1985 as a master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. With a career spanning over 21 years, he served as an officer in charge of ground radar support at various stations and had been awarded the Airman's Medal.

John was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry. He had been an active member of the Church of the Transfiguration in Braddock Hts., Maryland. He was a friend of Bill W. and had been active in the organization. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Frederick, and was a member of NARFE and AARP. John was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing in the dirt and chunking.

John is survived by his companion of 22 years, Janice L. O'Connor of Warren and her daughter, Julia (Chris) Kerner of Warren; one stepson, Sean A. (Rebecca) McKenzie of Dallas, Texas; three brothers, Dierk (Phyllis) of Wisconsin, Timothy (Karen) of Massachusetts and Jabez (Ann) of New Jersey and a sister-in-law, Linda Van Cleef of New York. He is also survived by a step grandson, Bryce Walters, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

His first wife, Patricia; his second wife, Mary Frances; one brother, Alton Van Cleef; stepson, Richard "Ricky" and stepdaughter, Wendy have all preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Christ Episcopal Church in Warren with the Rev. Jeffrey Baker officiating. Military honors will be accorded following the church service. His final resting place will be at Popham Beach, Morse's River, Maine. Local arrangements were entursted to Lane Family Funeral Homes, Roberts-Clark Chapel 330-392-2559.

Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund at Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren,OH 44483 or to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Rd., Canfield,OH 44406. Online condolences may be made to the family and the obituary viewed at www.robertsclarkchapel.com