Daniel Van Epps

Daniel J. Van Epps, Sr. Charlton - Daniel J. Van Epps, Sr., age 74, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 19, 1949, in Schenectady, NY and was the son of the late Elbert and Stella (Zabielski) Van Epps. Dan was a graduate of Burnt Hills High School and went on to attain his bachelor's degree from the College of Saint Rose.
He met the love of his life, Ann Lafforthun, at a chance encounter at the 4th turn of the Malta Raceway and together they set out for a beautiful five-decade journey together.
Dan began his career at General Electric Co. in Schenectady as a tool die maker. He completed the rigorous apprentice program becoming a talented draftsman. He transitioned to Aircraft Engine and became a respected supervisor and leader. He finished his distinguished 47-year career as a Manager of Gas Turbine Proposal and Requisitions bringing his no-nonsense sensibility to large scale, global projects. True to his work ethic, Dan rose to highly respected roles within the company.
Dan was a true family man, first and foremost. His love for his family was boundless and he cherished every moment he had with them. Trips to Fenway Park to cheer on his beloved Red Sox, camping in the Adirondacks, bass fishing in Sacandaga Lake, summer beach trips to North Carolina, attending his grandchildren's games and school events were all ways Dan showed his love for family. Dan enjoyed going to the casino, winning at Blackjack, playing poker at the club, and having games at home with friends and family. A genuinely humble man, he always brought joy to those around him, and he had a kind and generous spirit, always finding a way to lend a helping hand to everyone he met. Dan's life and memory will be celebrated through the telling of family stories around the campfire, hearing the roar of racecar engines at the track, listening to the echoes of Irish folk songs on St. Patrick's Day, ringing of jingle bells on Christmas Eve, retelling of deep-sea fishing tales, and the sharing of countless simple stories of a life so well lived.
He will be missed and remembered by his loving wife, Ann M. Van Epps; his children, Daniel (Lisa) Van Epps, Jr., Michele (Jonathan Gould) Van Epps and Elizabeth (Randy) Prock; his grandchildren, Matthew, Aidan, Jackson, Isabella, Amelia, Bennington and Charlotte; and his sister, Phyllis (Bruce) Richards, sister-in-law Rorie Van Epps along with many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Lawrence Van Epps.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 231 2nd St., Scotia, NY.
Interment will be in Sweetman Cemetery, Charlton, NY.