IN MEMORIAM: Edwin Van Hensbergen, 94;
Father, Grandfather Of Local Naples Family
ONEONTA – Edwin Van Hensbergen of Castleton, whose survivors include Oneonta’s Jean Naples and her five sons, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 21, just shy of his 95th birthday.
He was born on his grandfather Hoffman’s Farm in Castleton-on-the-Hudson on Aug. 1, 1921, and spent the rest of his life there.
He graduated from Maple Hill High School where he played basketball. Ed served his country during World War II in the 391st Infantry.
On July 5, 1947, he married Marion Dennis. They were married for 58 years and had five children. Ed was predeceased by his wife in 2005, his oldest daughter, Sharon Fisher (June 2011), his oldest son, Robert (March 2012), and a son-in-law, the Oneonta Common Council member Michael Naples (January 2012).
His remaining children include Jean Naples, and her sons, Dale, Brian, Father Tim, a Catholic priest in Orleans, Vt., David and Anthony Naples and their families.
He is also survived by son Thomas Van Hensbergen and daughter Margaret Massad, and grandsons David, Matthew, and Jon Fisher, plus. There are 12 great-grandchildren, with another due in August. His sister-in-law, Katherine Dixon, lives in Renssalaer and there are numerous nephews and nieces.
Ed worked at the Fort Orange Paper plant in Castleton. He built his own home and enjoyed working in the yard, tinkering with motors, and camping with his family. He was admired and loved by family and friends alike.
The graveside service was today at New Sacred Heart Cemetery, Castleton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Castleton Senior Citizens 1150 Maple Hill Rd., Castleton, NY 12033.
