Robert VanFleet

1923 - 2022

Robert Branning VanFleet, 98, of Susquehanna, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022 after a one-day illness, with family and friends surrounding him with love.
He was born October 29, 1923 in Buffalo, New York and spent his youth living in Five Mile Point and attending school in Windsor, NY.
He is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Claudine (Branning) VanFleet and his brother Frank VanFleet, as well as his beloved wife of 69 years, Frieda (Boerner) VanFleet. He continued to live independently in their family home until his death.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Ila VanFleet; daughter Risë VanFleet, PhD and her husband, Mark Zarichansky, of Boiling Springs; son Craig VanFleet and his wife, Lugene Critelli VanFleet, of Bethlehem; and granddaughter Melissa VanAllen and her husband Tyler VanAllen, of Bethlehem.
Bob was an impressive baseball player and was recruited by the New York Yankees, but considerations surrounding World War II intervened in those plans. He enlisted in the Army Air Force on December 7, 1942 (Troop Carrier Command, 98th Troop Carrier Squadron), and served primarily in the European theater. He was awarded seven battle stars for flying missions behind enemy lines to drop paratroopers, and later helped liberate POW camps.
His love of baseball never waned, and he was known locally for his skill while playing in very competitive town leagues. He loved the game so much that he forgot he was 70 years old when he slid into base during an Old Timers' game! He helped form children's and teens' baseball leagues in the Tri-Boro area, and was appreciated for his positive, encouraging coaching style.
He worked for 50+ years for the Frank A. West Company in Binghamton, NY, first as a lithographer (high quality 4-color press printing) and later as their salesman. He also became a police officer for 50 years, serving as Chief of Police in Oakland and Lanesboro and working alongside his great friend and partner, Joe Canini, in this and many other adventures spanning more than 60 years. He served on the Oakland Boro Council for many years, including as its president. He was very active in the Susquehanna United Methodist Church and in the community at large. He was proud of his time on the Barnes-Kasson Hospital Board when the current building was being planned and built.
In addition to baseball (especially the Yankees), football (local teams as well as the NY Giants), and other sports, he loved the big bands of the 40s, and at the time was known to clear the floor when he and his sister-in-law, Gloria VanFleet (Frank), got up to jitterbug. He instilled his love of music from this era in his granddaughter, Melissa, to whom he was known as "Paga," and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the songs she recorded of her singing many of his favorites.
For many years, he used his artistic talents to fashion unique Christmas decorations for the house and bulletin boards for his wife's sixth grade classrooms. Later he and Joe enjoyed creating ceramics for many years. He delivered Meals on Wheels until he was 90 years old. He was also an outdoorsman, and made the best macaroni and cheese.
The many people who knew him would likely agree that he was a friendly, gentle, generous, loving man who would help anyone. He always had a smile and enjoyed joking around with his ever-present humor. He had friends galore due to his affable and outgoing manner, and he appreciated every one of them. His many good friends were blessings right to the end.
The family invites his friends and community members to a public visitation to be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 4 to 7 pm at Hennessey's Funeral Home. Masks requested to be worn.
The Service afterward will be private for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name at any of the following three options (1) the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) of Barnes-Kasson, 2872 Turnpike Street, Susquehanna, PA 18847 (attention Kylie Slocum) where he was a daily visitor while Frieda was there; (2) the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, PO Box 104, Susquehanna PA 18847; or (3) the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy, (which provides training to professionals serving children and families with mental health concerns, and of which daughter Risë is the president), 391 Mountain Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Please mention his name when donating.