Obituary of Walter James Van Brocklin

Walter James Van Brocklin, Jr., 69, passed away at his home in Broadalbin, NY on Tuesday November 13, 2007. He was born in Gloversville on February 10, 1938 to his parents Walter James Van Brocklin, Sr. and Louise Brownell Van Brocklin. Mr. Van Brocklin graduated in 1955 from Gloversville High School where he was an exceptional athlete. Van Brocklin later graduated from Dean Junior Academy in 1958 and attended Ithaca College where he continued to competitively play baseball and basketball. Throughout his career he was employed by Gloversville Water Works, Colonial Tanning and he served as the Physical Director at Trenton, NJ, Schenectady and Gloversville, NY YMCAs. His last position was as the executive Director of the Gloversville YMCA. He was an organizer of and player in the Walter James Van Brocklin Sr. annual volleyball tournament and avidly promoted the sport throughout his career with the YMCA. He was actively involved in the local labor unions, the New York State Democratic Party and was elected the Third Ward Councilman for Gloversville in 1993. He was a member and Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Gloversville. He is survived by his former wife, Clair Biscotti and their daughter Cheryl William Gifford of Mayfield and his grandchildren Cody and Molly Gifford. He is also survived by his former wife, Joan Van Brocklin and their daughter Rev. Kathryn Ian Kelly Van Brocklin of Detroit, Michigan; his stepsons Jay Shelly Murray, Lake Worth, Florida and their children, James Sharon Murray of Middleton, Connecticut and their children. He is also survived by his cousins and their children, a nephew, nieces and their children. Mr. Van Brocklin was predeceased by his parents, his son Steven T. Van Brocklin and his brother Robert Van Brocklin. Calling hours will be Friday November 16 from 4 to 7 PM at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home in Gloversville. A prayer service will take place at 7 PM with the Rev. Kathryn Van Brocklin presiding. In lieu of flowers, Donations in his memory may be made to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Fulton County, 73 North Main Street, Argersinger Building, Gloversville, NY 12078.