Ronald B. Van Tassel

On August 23, 2025, Ronald Bailey Van Tassel, 87, quickly and quietly passed from this earthly realm and the loving embrace of his family and friends. Devoted husband for 65 years to his childhood sweetheart Clara Boice Van Tassel, Ron was also proud father to Patricia Van Tassel, Stephen (Jean) Van Tassel, Bruce (Melissa) VanTassel, Katrina (Peter Haughie) Van Tassel, and Sandra (Allan) Chabot. He dearly loved his 5 grandchildren Justin (Sarah) VanTassel, Haley (Tommy) Johns, Tess Chabot, Thomas Haughie, and Faye Chabot. His 4 great-grandchildren Payton, Charlotte, Giada, and Hudson were the apples of his eye. Ron was blessed with many beloved nieces and nephews, and was especially grateful to nephew David Boice and wife Jennifer for their frequent assistance. He loved his siblings Elizabeth (Charles) Burch, infant Arthur Van Tassel, Enus (Ceil) Van Tassel, Reginald (Doris) Van Tassel, Marguerite (Robert) O’Brien, and Ron’s twin Donald Van Tassel who all pre-deceased him.

Born on May 15, 1938, to Arthur and Bessie (Madison) Van Tassel of Hillsdale, NY, Ron graduated from Roeliff Jansen Central School in 1956, and enlisted in the US Marine Corps the very same year. He was stationed at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, spent months at sea, and landed in Beirut, Lebanon during the Korean conflict. Upon his return to the States, Ronnie married Clarie on October 17, 1959, and moved to Ancram NY. He proudly worked for Kimberly Clark Corporation at the Ancram Papermill for 39 years and then enjoyed his 20-year ‘retirement job’ at the Columbia County Transfer Station in Livingston, greeting patrons and sharing his special brand of humor (yes, it was a real baseball, but looks like Mark McGwire spelled his own name wrong).

Throughout his long life Ron loved a good joke, enjoyed playing softball, and pinochle, lotto and scratch-offs. He enjoyed entertaining Ruby and other feline friends. Ron was a long-time member of the Undermountain Golf Course. He bowled for a while, went to casinos now and then, and was known for his admiration of boilermakers and Manhattans – his secret recipe available upon request.

Ron was a decorated life member of the Ancram Fire Company and a member of St John’s Lutheran Church in Ancram where he served on the church council for a time. He was a life member of the VFW.

He loved his new and old friends and neighbors in Ancram where he lived in the same home for 65 years, and his commitment to community was repaid in his later years, when he was able to stay in his home through the support of his team of loving caregivers, each to whom Ron and his family are eternally grateful. During the last few days of his life, he received compassionate and excellent care at Pine Haven Nursing Home in Philmont, for which his family is sincerely thankful.

Ronnie loved to sing. He loved going to church. He loved his family, his friends, marching bands, Elvis, and the Yankees. He was proud to be a Republican, a Marine, and an American. Ron’s love for life is matched only by his family’s love for Ron.

Until we meet again- Well Done, and Semper Fidelis, Ronald Van Tassel!

Funeral and Celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday August 30, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ancram, NY. Family will receive loved ones, friends, and neighbors from 10:00-11:00AM; Funeral/Celebration will begin at 11:00AM, with graveside ceremony immediately following in Ancram Union Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, Copake Falls, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Ron’s honor to the Ancram Fire Company, St John’s Lutheran Church, or another charity of your choice.