Alan Richard Vanasse

Alan Richard Vanasse was born in Holden, Massachusetts on December 13, 1933 to May and Alfred Vanasse and grew up in a devout Christian environment. God called his spirit to Heaven on June 30, 2024 to join his Mom, Dad and seven brothers and sisters for their family reunion.

Alan always had such a strong work ethic and unwavering support for his family. His Dad said that he never had to ask him twice, or even at all, to complete chores around the house. His Mom referred to him as "My Alan." He managed the food service at the top of Mount Wachusett in Princeton, MA as a young teenager. With loyalty to the USA, he joined the Air Force at age 17 after graduating from Holden High School and fought in the Korean War. He was next assigned to LAFB in 1953 where he met his wife, Mary Ann Saunders. His military career ended in 1955, the year they married and Hampton, Virginia became his lifetime home. Medals received by Alan are the United Nations Service, Korean Service, National Service and the Good Conduct Medal

He is survived by his devoted wife and three loyal daughters, Denise Siegfeldt, Michelle Sealey (Joey) and Teresa Schmidt (Leonard). He adored his seven grandchildren, Amber Siegner, Nicholas Hunsecker, Ryan, Andrew and Travis Schmidt, Justin and Christopher Sealey, and 11 great grandchildren. They referred to him as Papa or Papa Ness.

Alan graduated from NASA apprentice school in 1957 and retired from NASA Langley Research Center in 1980 as an Engineering Technician. He served on the Hampton City Council and owned Vanasse Bait & Tackle in Fox Hill until finally retiring in 2009. Alan enjoyed the local retired men who would come to his store every day to play cards and gossip. They always looked forward to their monthly free lunch which was usually beans or clam chowder. Vanasse Bait & Tackle was known as the hot spot for politics. Governors, Senators, State Delegates and even Laura Bush campaigned there during election time. The saying went, "If you want to get elected, you have to campaign at Vanasse Bait & Tackle. They came from all parties. Alan was a lifetime member of the Elk's Lodge 366 and Masonic Navy Lodge.

A special thanks to Riverside Home Health Care & Hospice, and neighbor Dorothy Boyer for their assistance in his care and support throughout his long illness. Grateful for grandson, Nicholas and his wife Michelle who brought Alan such joy through their faithful visits, pampering and deeds of kindness over these past years.

A Celebration of life will take place at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Avenue, Hampton July 5, 2024. Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 with a Service Following..