Albert Van De Weert of Dryden, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse after a brief illness. Al was born July 9, 1942 in Midland Park, New Jersey to Albert and Alida Van De Weert. After attending Midland Park Schools Al enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1965.
Farming was Al’s life work and he had operated successful dairy farms in both Virginia and New York with his family. Al was an avid gardener and in retirement he continued working the land in his backyard and grew some of the finest vegetables.
Al’s true calling was helping and caring for others. The stories of Al’s generosity, and his genuine concern for others, were evident even as his time with us was coming to an end.
Kelly, Jeff, Randy, and Tracey were fortunate to have Al in their lives and were very thankful for everything he did for them. The most important role in Al’s life, and one that he truly enjoyed and excelled in, was grampa. . Al was an expert at making dinosaur shaped pancakes, Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, zucchini muffins with chocolate chips, or any other food that brought a smile to his grandkids faces. Al enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and though he thought he was an expert angler he never caught the biggest fish. Al spent countless hours following and watching John Deere tractors with his grandkids. Al attended sports games, concerts, recitals and enjoyed vacationing with his family. Grampa Al was well known as the Grampa Uber and happily helped get the grandkids where they needed to go.
Al is survived by his longtime companion Penny Simmons of Dryden. He is also survived by children, Kelly (Bob) Tiddick of Owego, Jeff (Jolene) Simmons of West Danby, Randy (Jo Ann) Simmons of West Monroe, and Tracey (Fred) Bachner of Dryden. Al is survived by his grandchildren, Dillon, Dustin and Maddison (Joe Murcko) Tiddick, Brandon Simmons and Lillian, Claudia, Frederick and Joseph Bachner. Al is also survived by brother and sister in law, Richard and Bunny Van De Weert, sister, Joan Bakker and brother in law, Robert Priestner as well as several nieces, nephews , and cousins across the country. Al was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James and a sister, Alida.
At Al’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a celebration of Albert’s life on Sunday, May 23rd at 2:00 PM at Dryden Lake Park. Please come and share your memories of Al with his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Dryden Solar Express, a summer reading program that delivers books, activities and snacks to the students. Donations can be sent to Dryden Solar Express c/o Audrey Ryan, 118 Freeville Rd, Dryden, N.Y. 13053
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Albert Vandeweert, please visit our flower store.