Obituary of Arthur "Art" H. VanVranken

Dateline: Ballston Lake

Arthur H. VanVranken, 71, a former resident of Ballston Lake, NY, passed away on December 14th, 2020 with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Art was born on December 22nd, 1948 to Ethel and Harold VanVranken. He was the loving Husband to Diane VanVranken and father to five children, Dawn, Deanne, Danielle, Brian (Laura), and Matthew. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and his sisters Carol DeBrocky and Sharon VanVranken. Art is also survived by his favorite mother-in-law Arlene DiCarlo, brother-in-law David DiCarlo and sister-in-law Dennine LaPlante along with several nieces and nephews. Arthur was predeceased by two cherished grandsons, Nicholas Fioriti and Joshua Hosier and by his sister Audrey VanVranken.

Arthur was a staple in his community and a Member of the Beukendaal Lodge 915 and Schenectady Lodge 1174. He was serving as Senior Warden of the lodge, and also President of the Beukendaal Temple Association at the time of his passing.

Art was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Schenectady where he served as Thrice Potent Master in 2008,2009 and in 2015 making him a three time Thrice Potent Master. He played in parts in 4^th, 14^th, 20^th, 23^rd, 26^th, and the 32^nd Degrees, and was serving as an officer in the Consistory at the time of his passing. For a number of years he was the Chairman of Properties and again was currently in the position. He received the MSA, Meritious Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Council of Deliberation for distinguished and outstanding service to Scottish Rite Masonry.  Special accommodations were made by the Supreme Council and Arthur was coronated a 33^rd Degree Mason two weeks ago. Art was also a member of the Cyprus Shrine Temple in Glenmont.

He worked many years for General Electric doing crane repair, retiring in 2017. Arthur also owned his own business, North East Crane and Hoist staying active until his passing.

Art was a strong, loving, playful, special person that will be missed by so many people he has met throughout the years. Arthur dedicated his life to his community and helped people in times of need including but not limited to, having a large part in the Valley of Schenectady Widows Program. Art loved his wife and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Art could often be found tending to his 1963 Polara “Christine”. Arthur also was a 5th degree black belt holder. Art had a passion for classic and soulful music and has strongly instilled this into his son, Matt. Art was highly active in the growth of Maxons American Grill with his son Brian, the owner. His children will never listen to a song the same again because of Art’s parodies to every song he sang.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday December 20,2020 from 1-4pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. A Masonic Service led by Members of the Beukendaal Lodge and funeral service will follow at 4pm at the funeral home. Proper COVID-19 protocols will be enforced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, the Arthur VanVranken Hospitaler Fund c/o Beukendaal Masonic Lodge 22 Schonowee Avenue Scotia NY 12302 , the Sigma Bodies Hospitaler Fund P.O. Box 2771 Glenville, NY 12325-0771 or to the Scottish Rite Hospitaler Fund, PO Box 2771, Glenville, NY 12325-0771. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com