Robert “Bob” Van Housen passed away peacefully on November 30, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 75.

Born in 1942, Bob was raised in Brooklyn, NY. Although he moved from Brooklyn after his high school graduation, Bob never lost his Brooklyn accent and was constantly teased about it by his children. He proudly served as a reservist in the US Navy from 1960 through 1963 and then on the USS Taconic from 1963 through 1965. Upon his honorable discharge, Bob resided in Pearl River, NY and worked for NY Telephone, where he met his future wife, Thelma Pitman. Bob worked for 46 years in the landline telecommunications industry and retired from Verizon in 2011.

Bob moved to Newburgh in 1969 and became an avid bowler. He belonged to the Mid-Hudson Bowling Association for 45 years. Bob bowled in numerous leagues at Pat Tarsio Lanes, most notable being the Bill Tarsio Memorial League, of which he was a member for 36 seasons.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, brother, cousin and friend. He was a truly genuine person that did not fear to say his piece or take the lead. Steadfastly loyal, his commitment remained in good times and in bad. There was no obstacle too high or task too small to assist his family and friends. He was a true gentleman that never had a derogatory comment about anyone. He always had a smile on his face and everything in his world was “just ducky”. Bob attributed every fortunate event in his life to “good, clean living”. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate to know him.

Bob is survived at home by his wife of 49 years, Thelma; his daughter, Karen, and her husband Steven Beam; his son, Kenneth; his son, Karl, and his wife, Lauren, all of Newburgh; and his son, Kevin, and his wife, Dina, of Indianapolis, IN. He is further survived by his granddaughters, Jordan Beam, Teagan Van Housen and Hayley Van Housen, and her finance, Stephen O’Connell; and his grandsons, Ryan Beam and Benjamin Van Housen.

In addition, Bob is survived by his brother, Charles Van Housen III of Sebastian, FL; and his “brother” and close friend for over 40 years, Jack Fanning, of Newburgh. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary Van Housen and his brother, John Van Housen.

The family would especially like to thank the nursing staff of 3 North at St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice for their compassion, caring and understanding during Bob’s illness.

The family will be receiving visitors at Brooks Funeral Home on Sunday, December 3, 2017, from 2 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Bob’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, can be made in his memory. Funeral services will be at the funeral home at 10:00 am on Monday, December 4, 2017. Internment at Cedar Hill Cemetery will immediately follow.

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