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James VanDerzee Obituary
COHOES - James Steven VanDerzee, January 1959 – April 2025, and known to all as "Steve," died unexpectedly at his home, in Cohoes, N.Y., on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Steve was the son of Thelma Backlund VanDerzee and James I. VanDerzee Jr. of New Baltimore, N.Y.; and was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ciccucci. Steve is survived by his sister, Kathryn VanDerzee of Cohoes, N.Y.; brother, David VanDerzee of St. Johns, Fla.; nieces, Christine Atherton-Ely, Olivia VanDerzee and Lily VanDerzee; and nephews, James I. VanDerzee III, Justin E. VanDerzee and James Atherton-Ely. Steve grew up in New Baltimore, N.Y., and was a graduate of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School. Steve later resided in S. Glens Falls, N.Y., and Cohoes, N.Y., and retired from the NYS Taxation and Finance Department. Steve was an active member and instructor with the Northeastern Woodworkers Association and a highly accomplished wood turner. Steve served on the New Baltimore, N.Y., and S. Glens Falls, N.Y., volunteer fire departments, also serving on the Dive Rescue Team in S. Glens Falls. Woodworking and animals were Steve's passions. He was an avid reader and aspiring science fiction writer. Those who knew Steve described him as a kind and gentle spirit. Steve's remains will be interred next to his beloved wife, Shirley, at the St. Mary's Cemetery, in Waterford, N.Y.
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Memories and Condolences
for James VanDerzee
6 Entries
Ben Brower
May 14, 2025
Steve was such a warm and welcoming presence around the woodworkers' shop. He was always eager to offer advice and guidance and had such a graceful way of imparting his experience. It was a pleasure and an honor getting to learn from him. I know I'll remember him every time I use a lathe.
Mariann Ceccucci
May 2, 2025
I met Steve years ago, when we both worked for Tax and Finance. He always helped with my rush printing requests! Always took good care of me. We were friends. Funny, I knew Steve before he ever met Shirley. Ceccucci is not a common name. When they met, years later, he told her he knew a Ceccucci. She thought he was nuts, no one is familiar with that name. Well, he was, small world. Steve was a very nice guy. I´ll miss seeing him, almost daily, miss saying hello to him on his cycle. Hope he´s riding one in Heaven. He will be missed.
Heather Savage
May 2, 2025
Steve was a very kind person who was always willing to volunteer and lend a hand. As a new woodworker, Steve helped me numerous times and it was always a delight to see him at the shop and at volunteer events. He will be missed.
Henry Hamilton
May 2, 2025
Steve was part of our extended family of cousins. As kids, despite the difference in our ages, "Stevie" was a part of the neighborhood gang. Many decades later, we would occasionally run into each other (on the street, in a store, even in the hospital). He ALWAYS had a big smile on his face. A good soul.
Lynda Persico Lombardo
May 2, 2025
My sincere condolences to the VanDerzee family.
May he rest in peace.
Lynda Persico Lombardo
Class of 78
David Greeley
May 1, 2025
A good man.
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