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BORN
1925
DIED
2013
Murray VanNess Obituary
Red Hook, NY - Murray J. Van Ness,87, died on March 22 at Columbia Memorial Hospital from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
He was born Dec. 16, 1925 in Rutland, NY, the son of the late Henry and Mabel (Sargent) Van Ness. Murray was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Air Force as a radio operator, stationed on the island of Guam. He was a beloved music teacher in the Red Hook Schools from 1948 until his retirement in 1981, building a successful music program and positively influencing hundreds of students. In 1966, he took a two-year leave of absence from Red Hook, traveling with his family to the island of Guam as a music consultant for the Guam Department of Education.
Surviving are his sister Gladys Sacci of Copenhagen, NY; his daughter, Lynn Van Ness of Red Hook; his son and daughter in lalw, Alan Van Ness and Anne Oja of Red Hook; and grandchildren Emily Van Ness and Andrew Van Ness, also of Red Hook. Murray was pre-deceased by three brothers: Richard, Lyle and Gilbert Van ness.
According to his wishes, there are no calling hours. Private cremation is at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home of Germantown, NY. In liew of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dyson Center for Cancer Care, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, 45 Reade Place Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036, www.alzinfo.org.
To view a slide show remembering Murray and to offer expressions of condolence, please visit http://murrayvn.ath.cx
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Murray VanNess
Jeanette Sargent-Hill
April 4, 2013
We were so saddend to hear of your father's passing. My brothers and I will remember his patient and encouraging way when we were in band back when. He radiated a love of music,as is seen through you, Allan and your son, following in his footsteps.Our condolences to you and the family. Jeanette Sargent-Hill
April 4, 2013
Allan and family, My brothers,family and I remember your dad for his patient way and influence that he had on our love of music. Each of us,was touched in band,Flute,guitar,(brothers) and I on the xylophone. What a wonderful man. Our condolences to your family. Jeanette Sargent Hill
pattie Sherman
April 1, 2013
To Lynn, Alan and Anne
Sending deepest sympathy on your loss. Murray was an institution..his love for music was contagious....and he inspired so many students...giving them the life long gift of music. Magician, Ham Radio Operator ...founder of "The Faculty" he will be missed. A wonderful man who leaves a legacy of love, laughter and a song in the hearts of many.
Penny Slingerland
April 1, 2013
May the many cherished memories you have of your father sustain you through this time. I always enjoyed seeing your dad walking in the village of Red Hook with his companion. He was so important to Red Hook's music system you carried his legacy for many years. Wishing the family peace.
jennifer rivers
March 31, 2013
OMG! Murray was such an inspiration to me ....he TRULY believed in my music talents and gave me so much confidence as a young vocalist and lady! He was a GEM! God Bless you Murray! I will NEVER forget you! Happy to have known you!
Tina Iraca
March 30, 2013
Lynn and Alan & families --
As our wonderful neighbor and brilliant music teacher, many of my warmest memories involve your family, especially "Mr. VanNess". He was a class act whose kindness, grace, humor, and quiet dignity inspired his students to be better musicians and better people. Your slide show made me smile and reminded me of the profound impact your father had on the lives of so many of us who found joyous sanctuary in the Red Hook High School Music room as teenagers and those of us who were lucky enough to live on Maizeland Road all of those years ago. As the song says, "You're special fascination'll prove to be inspirational,We think you're just sensational,[Murray]. My deepest sympathies are with your family.
Pete Riley
March 28, 2013
Alan & Lynn, I was so sorry to hear the news about your dad. He had a huge impact on my life, I truly appreciate everything he did for me as a student and have fond memories of the many years we played together beginning when I was 16. He was a unique individual and will be missed.
Perri and Ron Keefe
March 28, 2013
Murray was a wonderful man and terrific teacher. We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carl Liebold
March 27, 2013
I knew him has "Mr. Van Ness" and he instructed me for years of private lessons and then pulled me to the high school band early. And then he patiently helped me as an atonal drummer struggling through his Music Theory class. He even placed me in my first gigs and they even paid well! Definitely one of the bright lights in the Red Hook school system. Thank you Mr VanNess!
Kip Eggert
March 27, 2013
Mr. Van Ness was a good teacher, musician, and always a gentleman. We all liked Music period back in the day.
March 26, 2013
Lynn and Allan, My thought are with you. I still remember the wonderful music he produced at Red Hook during my time there.
Regards Darryl (The Kiwi)
Diane Hart
March 26, 2013
So sad to learn of his passing. He got so many of us into music. My prayers to his family.
March 25, 2013
He will be missed. Alan, my deepest sympathies. He brought beautiful music to my ears on Sunday mornings.
Dawn Pesko
March 25, 2013
Lynn and family- our thoughts and prayers are with you...may your heart be filled with wonderful memories of your dad..with our love- Dawn Joe and Jake
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