To Roberta, Robert and Jim:
I was sad to hear of your father's passing.  There are many great memories of visits that your mom and dad made to RI.  These visits would always include a good party at Nana and  Gramps Sibielski's house (alcohol free, of course).
Your dad and I had a great time talking about my family's 1953 Ford Jubilee tractor.  He knew how to sell them and I knew how to drive them.  We always had a great chat.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

My sincere condolences to my cousins Roberta, Robert and James.  I wish I could have been at the service.  Here are my memories:

 I saw my Uncle Bob as a complex character.  My childhood memories of him were of a very strict disciplinarian, very military even with his family.  Everyone had to 'tow the mark' including his wife.  I didn't understand him until much later when I was an adult and had spent some time with him.  For some reason, the hard exterior dropped for a short while, revealing a man who recounted his background as a 'country bumkin' who played the violin, loved music and had worked his way through the Army from private to Officers Candidate School  to the rank of Lt. Colonel.  This 'chat' was quite interesting and revealing and gave me somewhat of a different perception of him.  And we shared a commonality.....bourbon!  Several times when I visited Bay Island, the first thing he would do was point out a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 that he had gotten for me.  One time we went to the P.O, where I purchased quite a few bottles to bring back home with me.  When Roberta and I visited we would play for him and I think he really enjoyed it. There was a connection which continued through last week when he tried to speak on the phone. I believe my Uncle Bob still kept that 'country bumkin' deep inside where very few could see.  I think that the military and having a family enabled him to feel comfortable with himself .  Having fulfilled his planned purpose for this lifetime, I hope that he goes to the light, sees familiar loved ones and takes a long rest!  with love and a toast to adventures ahead!  Paula

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time.  May your memories bring you comfort and smiles (like the lobster bakes and Mai Tai's by the pool with Nanna and Gramps). Let the perpetual light shine upon his soul.  Our love to the Van Meter family.
Cousin Sue

To my cousins Roberta, Robert, and James: 
Know that my thoughts and prayers are for each of you as you bring you father to his final resting place.  May he rest in peace.  
Leon Sibielski, Cranston, Rhode Island

To the Family:
Mr. Van Meter held a special place in my heart. He will be greatly missed. He knew how bless he was to have such WONDERFUL FAMILY. May he rest in peace.
Respectfully
Lujean Jones , Allegro Activity Director

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

OBITUARY

Robert Van Meter

August 6, 1918 – December 8, 2014

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

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