Jack R. Van Vranken, Jr.

Jack Van Vranken, Jr., 84 of Manchester NH passed away peacefully at his home April 25, 2024.  

Born in Glens Falls NY, Dec. 3, 1939 to Jack and Jean (Wallace) Van Vranken, he was a resident of Manchester for the past 55 years.   

Jack graduated high school from St. Mary’s Academy, Glens Falls, NY, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern PA, and earned his Associate in Applied Science degree from Adirondack Community College, Hudson Falls, NY.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, spending four years in Stuttgart Germany.   Taking after his father, fondly known as “Van the Shoe Man”, Jack spent his career in the shoe industry, employed by Brown Shoe Company and Lowell Shoe.

After retirement, Jack’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his kids and grandkids, he enjoyed attending baseball, basketball, football games, and countless dance recitals and performances.  You could also find him on the golf course, proudly “walking 18 at the Derryfield” or simply enjoying his daily walks with friends.  When he was not busy helping family, friends and neighbors, his other great enjoyment was watching college basketball and his beloved Yankees.   There would be no mistake where his loyalties and pride lain, with his rotating wardrobe of college monikers and Yankees attire.  No need to ask who won the game the night before, that’s how he chose his outfit!  

Jack leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years Joan originally from Glens Falls, NY; four daughters, Joy DiCostanzo of Manchester, Julie Kelly and her husband Peter, of Portland ME, Jill Philibotte, and her husband Steven of Manchester, and Jessica Van Vranken of Manchester; seven grandchildren, Macklin, Maeve, and Colin Kelly of Portland, ME, Jack and Abigail Philibotte of Manchester, Julia and Chloe DiCostanzo of Manchester; two siblings, Joan McGrath of Westchester, PA, and Julia Buyce of Erie, PA; two brothers-in-law Dick Noonan, and his wife Sandy, of South Glens Falls, NY, and Bobby Noonan, of Boca Raton, FL.   He had many nieces and nephews that he adored.  Jack was predeceased by his parents; brothers-in-law James McGrath, Dr. M. Raymond Buyce, and Thomas Noonan. 

 He will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family.  He was also dedicated to his church attending Mass faithfully. 

Services:  Calling hours are Tuesday (4/30) from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester, NH.  A Mass of ChristianBurial will be held on Wednesday (5/1) at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn, NH. Burial with Military honors will follow at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.  

Those desiring to make memorable contributions can do so at St. Peter Renovation Campaign, 567 Manchester Rd, Auburn, NH, 03032, or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).