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Roland Van Der Beck

Roland R. Van Der Beck

1925 - 2018

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Obituary of Roland R. Van Der Beck

Roland R. Van Der Beck, Ph. D. "Van"

In Loving Memory of our Dad who passed away on 10/9/2018, at age 92, with loved ones at his side.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Beatrice and grandson Jesse Coccia. He is survived by his loving family;   Ann (John) Lelo, Susan Van Der Beck (Bob Coccia), Tyler and Jake; Lynn Van Der Beck (Ken Pike), Eric and Nathan (Tiffany), great granddaughters, Keira and Naomi, sister, Ruth Eliades, and Konrad Emmert (Susan Belair).

Van served his country in World War Two as an Aviation Cadet.  He worked his way through Rutgers University on the GI Bill, then Ohio State where he earned his doctorate in Material Science. He began his career at Carborundum in upstate NY. Always looking for a challenge, his career had the family moving to Pennsylvania and later to Bridgewater NJ. They moved to Rochester in 1970, where Van was Vice President of Research at Pfaudler, and later American Olean Tile.  He retired from General Electric where he was Senior Scientist at the Space Division. During his career, Van acquired a dozen patents, and published several papers. 

The family was close, spending many happy times at their home on Conesus Lake, swimming, sailing and enjoying life.  Van and Bea had a way of making everyone feel welcome; always extending their hand to neighbors and anyone who crossed their path. They enjoyed many sports and other activities together including golf, tennis, curling and Torch Club, among others.  Van was a voracious reader and lifelong learner who enjoyed a lively discussion.  
Van spent his last years at Valley Manor, making new friends while keeping many longtime friends. He cherished many happy times with his close friend and companion, Eileen Stellwagen. A jokester, he was known to keep the staff and his friends laughing.  When asked how he was his reply was “Life is good!” 
Van’s mantras were “To thine own self be true” and “It is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.”  Friends and family always knew he would give his honest opinion, be truthful in his dealings and gracious with others. He was a role model for his children and grandchildren; we were proud of him, respected him and enjoyed spending time with him. We are going to miss our dear father/grandfather (Poppy), and the pleasure of his company.

A celebration of Van’s life will be held at Mountain Rise United Church of Christ in Fairport on November 3 at 2:00 p.m.; all are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heritage Christian Services, 275 Kenneth Drive, Suite 100 Rochester, NY 14623. For directions or to leave an email message of condolence please visit: www.miller1889.com

Saturday
3
November

Celebration of Life

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Mountian Rise United Church of Christ
2 Mountian Rise
Fairport, New York, United States
585-223-2433

Event Name 1

None
None
None, New York, United States