Harry D. ‘Sonny’ VanWagenen, Jr., 88, of East Kingston

Harry D. “Sonny” VanWagenen, Jr., 88, of Vestal Hills Drive died Wednesday Sept. 6, 2017 at HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus.

Born June 4, 1929 in Kingston; he is the son of the late Harry D., Sr. and Ethel (Glass) VanWagenen.

A graduate of Kingston High School; Harry served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Harry worked as an engineer for New York Telephone Co. until his retirement. He was a founding member of the Manorville Mill softball team in Saugerties, he coached Little League in East Kingston and Glasco. Harry was well known to “verbally” support his family members during softball and Little League games.

Surviving are his children: William W. VanWagenen and his wife Peggy, Harry E. VanWagenen and his wife Carol, Edward A. VanWagenen and his wife Luanne, Laura “Laurie” E. Bean and her husband Ray, Nancy J. Jordan, Mary J. Reid and her husband Tim, Wendy S. Czebatol and her husband Scott. A brother, Chester VanWagenen, nineteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews also survive. Also surviving is Harry’s former wife Barbara VanWagenen; they remained close friends.

One son, Richard VanWagenen, died in 1978. Sisters, Laura Johnston and Florence VanWagenen also died previously.

Funeral and cremation arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue Kingston. www.jvleahyfh.com. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. A service will take place at 2:15 p.m. Inurnment at a later date at Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery.