Harry S. Roosje Jr.

Harry S. Roosje, Jr. passed away at home on December 18, 2021 at the age of 86. He was born December 1, 1935 in Goshen, NY to Harry and Gertrude (Sylstra) Roosje. He grew up in Rock Tavern, NY on his family farm, where he milked cows, worked hard,and generally raised hell. He was a member of Future Farmers of America and won many competition ribbons. The eldest of two children in the family, he learned mechanics early and loved to race cars in the fields of the farm.

After serving in the US Army, he worked as a mechanic in Maybrook, NY. There he met his wife of 60 years, Gertrude (Ackerly) Roosje. They moved to Washingtonville, NY in 1963, purchasing Eric’s Repair Shop, and the young family settled in the home on the property. Over time, the repair shop was converted into a thriving rental business from which they never retired.

Harry was a lover of stock car racing and spent many hours building cars that he would race at area tracks. Although he put away his helmet, he never lost his love of racing and followed NASCAR avidly. He truly loved spending time at his cabin on Lake Champlain in Milton, VT with family and friends.

Harry was well known in the community he loved, and served the Village of Washingtonville for many years in different roles. He was at one time a Village Trustee and chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

He is survived by his wife, Gertrude, his brother, Bert Roosje and wife Susan, children Richard, of Nacogdoches, Texas, Harry and wife Carol, Karen Jankun and husband James, and Christy Caven, who all reside in Washingtonville, as well as many adoring grand children and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held January 2, 2022 at 2pm, First Presbyterian Church, Washingtonville, NY. The family requests In lieu of flowers donations be made to Hospice of Orange County.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.davidtfergusonfh.com for the Roosje family.