Livonia: At age 80, Claude passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Batavia, NY to the late Claude and Madeline (Ecker) VanVolkenburg. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law Eugene Kramer. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara (Kramer) VanVolkenburg; special brother-in-law Clyde Kramer of Livonia; children; Claude “Brian” (Julie) VanVolkenburg of MA, Jeffrey (Betsy) VanVolkenburg of Livonia, and Kenneth (Cindy) VanVolkenburg of Scottsville; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Cristina, Taylor, Matthew, and Alison VanVolkenburg; brothers-in-law, James (Jean) Kramer of TX and Gary (Kerri) Kramer of SC; also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends including his close friend Loren Scott.
Claude was the proprietor of Beetle City / Parkside Motors in Avon, NY where he was a certified expert Volkswagen mechanic and helped numerous customers, many of whom became lifelong customers and friends.
Outside of his career Claude loved the outdoors where he enjoyed camping, fishing, and boating with his family.
Later in life Claude took a new career as a caregiver for Finger Lakes DDSO, where his gentle, kindhearted, and compassionate nature was shared with many special individuals.
After retirement Claude loved spending his time collecting and trading at Exit 9 Flea Market in Avon.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, June 3rd, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte. 15 & 20a, Livonia, NY. Claude’s Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, June 4th, at the First Presbyterian Church of Livonia, 3837 Center Street, Livonia, NY (Corner of Center Street and Rte 20A in Livonia Center.) Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, Livonia, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Livonia, PO Box 105, Livonia, NY 14487 or Livingston County Hospice, 2 Murray Hill Drive, Mt. Morris, NY 14510. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Claude was always such a giving person. God Bless
I worked with Claude for several years and enjoyed every minute. He had a
great sense of humor AND gave out the bestest Christmas gifts! I will miss him.
We are so very sorry about Claud’s passing. He was a good man and will be missed dearly. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Bob & Sandi DeBruycker
Keeping you all in prayer. I met Claude when I was a vendor at Exit 9. He was very welcoming and a great guy. He will be missed.
It was my good fortune to come to know Claude while I was a vendor at the Exit 9 Flea Market in Avon. He wasa kind, intelligent, honest and hardworking man. I valued his friendship and I am saddened to learn of his passing. Heaven has gained a great man. I will keep his family and other friends in my prayers.
I haven’t seen Claude in many years but knew him when he worked at Livonia NAPA . He always was friendly and always wore a smile. He was a real nice guy. My sincere condolences to his family. Mike West