Cover photo for Irving L. "Flash" Van Valkenburg's Obituary
Irving L. "Flash" Van Valkenburg Profile Photo
1919 Irving 2016

Irving L. "Flash" Van Valkenburg

September 30, 1919 — November 30, 2016

Irving L. "Flash" Van Valkenburg, 97, of Canastota, died Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at The Grand at Rome. Born and raised in Richfield Springs, NY, Irving was a 1937 graduate of Richfield Springs High School in Mohawk Valley, where he met his late wife, Eva. He was the Captain of his basketball, baseball and football teams and was the son of the late Evana Hunt and Clyde Van Valkenburg. Irving resided in Canastota on Oneida Lake for 50 years and maintained a winter residence in Shallotte, NC, for more than 30 years.

Irving was a World War II veteran of the Naval Air Force where he served as a navigator in a PBY in the European Theatre. He owned and operated the Mohawk Valley Tavern with his wife in the 1950's. Irving retired in 1980 after more than 20 years as a manager with the General Electric Plants in Asheboro, NC and Syracuse. He was a 32nd Degree F&AM of the Grand Lodge in Utica and of the Richfield Springs Lodge #482 for over 70 years, a member of the American Legion Post #616 in Richfield Springs and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Shallotte, NC. Irving enjoyed hunting and fishing especially around Oneida Lake. He was an avid golfer, playing 8 days a week while he was in NC, and was a member of Castlewood Golf Club.

Irving was predeceased by his wife, Eva (Harter) Van Valkenburg, in September, their son, Dave Van Valkenburg, in 2007 and by his siblings: Russell and Eleanore.

He is survived by a son, Thomas (Anne) Van Valkenburg and a daughter-in-law, Julie Van Valkenburg, both of Canastota; seven grandchildren: Brandon, Kelly, TJ, Jennifer, Mike, Jeff, and Chad; ten great grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Brook, Brandon, Jeff, Nolan, Michael, Isabella, Jason, Leslie, and Kurt; and a great great granddaughter, Katilina.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to his family with the intent of purchasing a memorial tree and bench for the Richfield Springs community in memory of Irving and Eva, c/o Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.

Private Services were held at the family's discretion.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Irving L. "Flash" Van Valkenburg, please visit our flower store.

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