Obituary of Robert Arthur Van Etten

NOTE: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Rob be made to a fund for the benefit of Rob's children & Holiday Mountain Youth Skiing in the form of contributions delivered to Gregory M. Dennin, Dennin & Dennin Trust, 2745 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York, 12946. Robert Arthur Van Etten, Jr. (Rob), Monticello, N.Y. passed from this world on August 28, 2012 at Westchester Medical Center. He is survived by his wife Ann, children Robert Van Etten III and Victoria Van Etten (Wilmington, N.C.), Carley Van Etten, and stepson Andrew Long (Monticello, N.Y.), parents Robert and Patricia Van Etten (Monticello, N.Y.), brother Peter Van Etten and his wife Tiffany and their children Cole and Keeley (Rock Hill, N.Y.), sister Jody Lounsbury, and her husband Gregg (Rock Hill, N.Y.) and their children Meghan Lee and husband Matt, Alyson Lounsbury, Lindsay DeWitt and her husband A.J. sister Peggy Dennin and her husband Greg (Lake Placid, N.Y.) and their children Emily, Maggie, and Sean. sister Kathy Perna and her husband Fred (Mountainside, N.J.) and their son Christopher. Rob was born to Robert and Patricia Van Etten in Monticello, N.Y. on February 10, 1958. He is a graduate of Monticello High School (class of 1976). He graduated from St. Lawrence University in May 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He is a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Rob lived a full and happy life, committing himself to his beloved wife Ann and his children. He was proud of, but never boastful about, the unique accomplishments of each of his children. He enjoyed simple pleasures, spending time with friends and family. He brought his quick wit and humor to every event. Niece, Alyson Lounsbury describes her uncle well in writing, "He can fix a broken mower using spare parts from the garage while telling a joke with a surprise punch line you'll never forget". Rob took advantage of all that Monticello High School had to offer. He pursued a demanding academic curriculum and received a NYS regent's diploma. He played trumpet in the band and sang in the chorus. While focused in the classroom, Rob became whole when he hit the soccer field, the ski hill and the baseball field. In sports, his effort and commitment were as strong in team practice as they were in competition. He played soccer and skied at St. Lawrence University qualifying for the NCAA ski championships in 1979. He was an honorable competitor earning the admiration of his teammates and fellow athletes. Rob was an avid Yankees and Giants fan. Everything stopped when the games were on. Rob's integrity was apparent in his personal life as he worked to keep fit and healthy, and make positive contributions in the lives of people he knew. He was upbeat and positive; a person who perpetually looked at the glass as being half full. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church on Broadway and Liberty Street in Monticello, N.Y. with Father Timothy Wiggins officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Rob be made to a fund for the benefit of Rob's children & Holiday Mountain Youth Skiing in the form of contributions delivered to Gregory M. Dennin, Dennin & Dennin Trust, 2745 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York, 12946. Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to write an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com