Lyons Falls – OTCM Robert Earl VanAlstine, USN (RET), 86, of Franklin Street, passed away on May 11, 2024 following a short stay in Rehab at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility in Boonville.
Robert was born on May 24, 1937 in Lowville to Lucius and Leila (Earl) VanAlstine. He grew up in Lyons Falls graduating from Lyons Falls High School in 1955. He then worked at McKeever Veneer Mill until entering the US Navy in March of 1956. He served for thirty years, retiring as Master Chief Petty Officer in March of 1986. He was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various other personnel and unit level awards. While stationed at NAVFAC Brawdy, Wales, he married fellow sailor Linda Rice. They settled in Lyons Falls upon Robert’s retirement and had resided there since that time. For 21 years upon his return to Lyons Falls, he was the president and caretaker of Wildwood Cemetery.
Robert enjoyed the woods, especially the family camp in Fowlerville, and all things hunting and trapping. He was a crack shot and past member of the Mattewan Hunting club, and the Moose River Fish & Game club.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, a son Dale Robert, sister Beverly VanAlstine Gaffney, and two brothers-in-law: Barney Gaffney and Jack Denny. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Linda, children, daughters Deborah VanAlstine (Cory Morrison), and Rochelle Nunes (Wayne), son AMC(AW) James (Kristin) VanAlstine USN (RET), a daughter-in-law Thelma VanAlstine, sister June VanAlstine Denny, ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family from the I.U.S.S. community. He loved them all.
He was an endowment Life member of the National Rifle Association, Life member of both Fleet Reserve Association and the American Legion.
The family would like to express its gratitude to the Lyons Falls Ambulance, Lewis County General Hospital, Wynn Hospital Utica, and Sunset Rehab Boonville for their wonderful care.
In keeping with his wishes there will be no viewing. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held in Wildwood Cemetery, Lyons Falls, on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 1:30 pm. Donations can be made to Robert’s favorite Charity the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
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