Obituary of Donald F. Van Lare

Donald F. Van Lare of Rush, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on December 15, 2013 at age 77. Predeceased by his parents State Senator Frank and Dorothy Harward Van Lare, he is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Diane (Michalke) Van Lare; sons David of Henrietta, Douglas (Amy) of Jamestown NC, and Daniel (Lisa) of Phoenix AZ; his cherished granddaughter Alexandra; brothers-in-law James (Paula) and John Michalke; several nephews and cousins. A United States Navy veteran, Don was a career social studies teacher in the Rush-Henrietta CSD and an adjunct professor at MCC and GCC. He served as member and chairman of the Rush Town Zoning Board of Appeals, as treasurer of the Rush-Henrietta food cupboard, as board member of NYSUT retirement council, and previously as Rush Republican Town Leader. He loved and faithfully served his God, family, country, and community. Calling hours will be Friday, December 27th from 3 to 7 pm at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home Inc., 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls, NY. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, December 28th at 1pm at Rush United Methodist Church, 6200 Rush-Lima Road, Rush, NY. Contributions may be made to RHAFT (Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal) or FISH (Friends and Service Here), to Rush United Methodist Church Education or Music Ministries, or to a charity of choice. To light a candle in remembrance of Don, please visit www.mertonkaysfuneralhome.com