Obituary

William F. Van Valkenburg, 52, died surrounded by family and friends on April 25 after a battle with Leukemia. Born on January 15, 1963 in Hartford, CT, he attended St. Thomas Seminary then studied Science while playing varsity soccer at St. Anselm’s College. He then went on to earn his MBA and Certification in Higher Education Administration from the former New Hampshire College.
Bill and his family moved to Fitzwilliam, NH in 1998 after living in Brookline, MA and Candia, NH. He impacted the lives of young people for 17 years teaching and coaching at Gardner High School, as an Athletic Director, Science Teacher and varsity boys’ Soccer Coach. Bill was selected to work for Harvard Forest to study the impact of climate change on the environment. Over the course of his life, Bill received many distinguished awards and recognitions for teaching and coaching excellence.
He enjoyed playing guitar, biking, skiing, golfing, fishing and running, having completed two marathons. He introduced many friends to geocaching, and spent time in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica exploring the rain forests.
Bill’s love for nature was only eclipsed by his love for his family. A devoted husband and father, Bill’s love will shine forever in the hearts of his wife of 21 years, Marianne Neville VanValkenburg, son Cameron (20) and daughter Tate (17). Others who will miss him deeply include his parents, Frederick and Judith (Michalak) Van Valkenburg of Windsor Locks, CT, sister and brother-in-law Karen and Mark Curti of Suffield CT, brother and sister-in-law James and Lynne Van Valkenburg of Windsor Locks, CT, many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A funeral to celebrate his life took place on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Anselm’s College Abbey Church in Manchester, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gardner High School Scholarship Fund for the Bill Van Valkenburg Memorial Scholarship c/o Judy Mack Gardner High School 200 Catherine Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

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