Obituary of Allan V. VanDenBosch

Allan V. VanDenBosch, age 81, a lifelong resident of Lewiston, died Sunday February 1, 2015 in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, after a lengthy illness. Allan was born October 7, 1933 in Lewiston, the son of the late Victor J. and Violet (Armstrong) VanDenBosch. He was quite proud of the fact that both he and his mother were born in the same room on their family's homestead. Allan graduated from the Lewiston Red Brick School and from Bishop Duffy High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953 and served until his honorable discharge in 1956. While in the Army he served with the Military Police and boxed. He fought in the Golden Gloves under the name of "Allan Day". After returning from military service, Allan worked as an Operating Engineer on the New York State Power Project and became a member of the HARD HATS of America, a tribute to the men who worked on the Project. In 1961 Allan joined the Niagara Falls Police Department and was a Patrol Officer, retiring in 1990. During that time he was President of the Police Club. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post # 7487 in Lewiston, the Loyal Order of Moose Lewiston Lodge #583, a charter member of the Lewiston Kiwanis, a member of the Police Benevolent Association, and a communicant of St. Peter's RC Church in Lewiston. Allan always loved the outdoors, whether walking his beat in Niagara Falls, hunting at the family camp in Westfield, or riding his 4 wheeler on his farm. He loved the history of Lewiston and enjoyed telling stories of the "good old days." He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Ruth A. (Sherwood) VanDenBosch on August 18, 2010. He is survived by seven children, Pamela A. (Darryl) May of Ransomville, Cynthia (William) Ferry of Greenville, NC, and Victoria L. (Matt) Freehill of Tillamook, OR, Allan A. (Cameo) of Kissimmee, FL, Timothy J. and Brian K. (Pearl) VanDenBosch both of Ransomville, and Jennifer Lynn VanDenBosch of Niagara Falls, NY; two brothers, Laurence (Susan) VanDenBosch of Wilson and Paul (Joan) VanDenBosch of Ransomville; two sisters, Dorothy (late Thomas) Napier and Janine (late Ernest) Murdoch both of Lewiston; a granddaughter, Dana Nicole VanDenBosch who lived with and was raised by Ruth and Allan and was considered a daughter; 15 other grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Jack (late Dolores) and William "Bill" VanDenBosch, and two sisters, Norma (late Ivan) Harvey and Joan (late Joel) Dougherty. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Wednesday from 4 - 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 5, at 10:00 AM in the St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St. Lewiston, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. (Please assemble at Church).Burial with Military Honors will follow at Dickersonville Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to the Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Ambulance Fund, 145 N. 6th St. P.O. Box 748, Lewiston, NY 14092.