Obituary of John L. VanLuyk

SCHENECTADY - John L. VanLuyk, 89, died peacefully on February 20, 2023, at his home at Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation after a prolonged illness. Mr. VanLuyk was born on March 30, 1933, in Bloomfield, New Jersey to Arie and Anna VanLuyk, immigrants from Holland. During his happy childhood, Dad developed his abilities on the drums and played in many school and jazz groups. This passion lasted throughout his life. He was a great drummer and inspired his son and nephews to follow in his footsteps. Dad graduated from Bloomfield High School in New Jersey in 1951. After High School, he spent 5 years in the Navy aboard the light aircraft carrier Saipan CVL48. This ship went around the world providing humanitarian aid to at least 12 countries affected by WWII in the Pacific Theatre, as well as those afflicted by hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. The ship also saw active combat duty towards the end of the Korean conflict. Dad worked the plane launchers and played drums in a shipboard jazz combo at officer’s clubs around the world. His Navy experience prompted a lifelong love of boats. A passion for golf also kept him busy for many years. After he got out of the Navy, Dad married Carol E. Dunsheath in 1962. A loving and happy marriage which lasted 60 years. The family resided in Lake Parsippany NJ where they spent many years sailing, swimming, and ice skating on the lake. Vacationing in Barnegat Light, NJ was a yearly adventure. Dad was active in Boy Scouts, and the Elks Club. An unassuming, small, tight knit community, Lake Parsippany was an idyllic setting to raise the kids. They raised 2 children at the lake before moving to Clifton Park NY when Dad got transferred as a sales manager for Addressograph Multigraph in 1979. They resided in Clifton Park NY. The couple played golf, enjoyed travel, volunteered at SPAC, Proctors Theatre, Waterford Harbor Visitors Center, and spent the cold winters in Vero Beach Florida. Mr. VanLuyk is survived by his wife, Carol Vanluyk, 2 children John VanLuyk (Jayne), Janet Looman (Jamie), 3 grandchildren: Allie VanLuyk, Jacob Looman, and Justin Looman. Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. Interment will take place at a future date in the Gerald B.H. Solomon - Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the VanLuyk Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com