Henry “Hank” Peter VanLeeuwen, loving husband, father, grandfather, and legend. Henry Peter VanLeeuwen, 87, of Rock Tavern, N.Y., died peacefully at his home on December 27th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Henry is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Elizabeth “Betty Ann”, as well as his children, Pieter, Eenika, and Maryke. He is also survived by his son-in-laws, Junnie and Alan, as well as his precious grandchildren, Jaxon, Xavier, Savanna, Irelynn and Dutch. Henry leaves behind 2 brothers John and Lou, and 2 Sisters Maria and Theresa. He leaves behind too many cousins and family members to mist. He is predeceased by his parents, Peter and Petronella, and his sister Molly.
Henry was born in the Netherlands on October 7th, 1938. He immigrated to the United States in 1946 where his family settled and ran a dairy farm in Goshen, NY. Henry served in the Army National Guard in Newburgh, NY and set down roots in New Windsor, NY where he lived in peace the remainder of his life. In 1972, Henry purchased Arkel Motors with his brother, where he worked until he retired in 2008. He served on the Town of New Windsor’s Planning Board (45 years), Lions’s Club (25 years), Orange County IDA Board (30 years) and Town of New Windsor Republican Committee. He also served on the Cornwall Hospital Board, Museum Village Board of Directors and Rotary Club of Goshen.
Henry’s greatest joy was his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was a role model, leading by example with hard work and perseverance. He will be remembered for always having a project to do at the most inconvenient times, including all the holidays, on his hands and knees in his many beautiful flower beds, saying “not bad for an old fart” when asked how he was doing, and his unwavering American pride.
Visitation will take place at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North Street, Washingtonville, NY 10992 on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Church of St. John the Evangelist, 71 Murray Avenue, Goshen, NY 10924 followed by Burial at St. Johns Cemetery, 311 West Main Street Extension, Goshen, NY 10924.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hank’s favorite charity St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Hospice of Orange and Sullivan County, or Rotary Club of Goshen.
