Geneseo/Livonia: Garry was born on January 13, 1929 in Midland Park, NJ to the late Cornelius and Anna (Drenth) Van De Weert and passed peacefully, at age 95, on October 10, 2024 at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife Eleanor Van De Weert and siblings; Pete, Emma, Minnie, Ella, Cornelius, Albert, Martin, John, Herm, and Barney. Survived by his children; Elaine (Jack) Malda of Cato, Garry (Joan) Van De Weert of Goshen, Cheryl (Peter) Schwarz of Newburgh, Sandra (Edward) Dykshoorn of Odessa, Roy (Henrietta) Van De Weert of Goshen, Darlene (Douglas) De Vries of MI, James (Rosemary) Van De Weert, and David Van De Weert both of Geneseo; 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; also survived by many nieces and nephews, his church family at both the East Palmyra Christian Reformed Church and the Goshen Christian Reformed Church & many friends.
Garry was a hard-working person for all his life. He farmed and was a bus driver for the Goshen Central School District for 25 years and was a Deputy Sheriff – Sergeant for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. In 1988 Garry and his wife Eleanor made the move from Goshen to Geneseo, NY. They purchased the Pease Farm on Lima Road and continued his love of farming. Between his farming in Goshen and his time on their family farm in Geneseo, he farmed for over 70 years. Even while farming here he worked part time driving bus for the ARC for over 12 years.
Garry’s favorite tractor that he started farming with was a 1948 Farmall C, that his son still has in Goshen. His presence and wisdom will be missed by all.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, October 20th, from 2pm – 4pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. Calling will also be held on Monday, October 21st, from 10am-11am at the East Palmyra Christian Reformed Church, 2057 East Palmyra Port Gibson Road, Palmyra, NY where Garry’s Funeral Service will be held at 11am, following calling. Burial will follow at the East Palmyra Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the East Palmyra Christian School, 2023 Port Gibson Road, Palmyra, NY 14522. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you all. May he rest in peace.
I worked with Gary at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.He was a dedicated officer and it was a pleasure to have worked with him. May he rest in peace,
my prayers are with all of you at this time . I fondly remember Gary as my bus driver in Goshen for many years . we would stop by the farm on the ride so he could check in with Gary to see how things were . i witnessed his dedication in so many ways. He was a strong but loving presence. May he rest in eternal peace.
Sending love and prayers to my cousins during this sad time of the loss of Uncle Gary. God bless you.