Francis E. VanAken of Rochester died Thursday, June 6, 2013 at age 82. Predeceased by his parents, Roy and Florence. Survived by his sisters, Margaret (H. Lewis) Gentsch of Ithaca, NY, and Anne Ketcham of Sodus Point, NY and Pompano Beach, FL; nephews, Eric, Mark, and Tim; niece, Kindra; and many good friends.
Francis worked for many years at the Rochester School for the Deaf before retiring in 1996. He was a faithful member of Deaf Elders Around Rochester (DEAR) and Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf (RRCD). He was very active as an Elder for the Alpha Lutheran Church of the Deaf. He enjoyed playing scat and dingo. His big heart and big smile will be missed, especially within the deaf community.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, 1pm at Alpha Lutheran Church of the Deaf, 1969 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or Rochester School for the Deaf.
