Obituary of Vandeline J. Valovic

Mr. Vandeline J. ?Van? Valovic, 93 of Gloversville, died Tuesday September 5, 2006. He was born October 20, 1912 in Johnstown, son of the late Anthony and Pauline Balas Valovic. He was educated in Johnstown schools. Mr. Valovic developed an early expertise with mechanics. His family was accustomed to sidecar motorcycles as a means of transportation in the early years. He quickly became adapt at riding as well as repairing motorcycles. As he entered the Army during World War II, serving in Central Europe, ?Van? continued working on motorcycles and automotive repair and was often depended on as a courier with his motorcycle. Upon returning to Johnstown after the war, he began an ice delivery business and also continued his love for motorcycles. Widely known as ?Daredevil Van?, he was an expert and skilled motorcycle stunt rider. He began Vans Harley Davidson, in 1948; leaving the day to day running of the business to his sons in 1975. Mr. Valovic was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and the Holy Name Society of the Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 265, The Sokol Society # 99, American Motorcycle Association, Glove District Riders Club, and former Elks Lodge member. He was married to Frances Rowback Valovic on May 30, 1937, she pre-deceased him in February of 2006. He is survived by his children: Judith Schelle of Johnstown, Paul Valovic Sally of Johnstown and James Valovic Barbara of Gloversville. He is also survived by his sisters: Mary Di Bartolomeo and Anna Murkey both of Johnstown and Paula Buyce of Northville. Additionally his grandchildren are: Mark Robin Schelle of Bloomingdale, New York, David Cathy Schelle of Crawford, Colorado, Elizabeth Schelle of Gloversville, New York, John Monica Valovic of Newbury, New Hampshire, Amy Mark Feinour of Broadalbin, New York, Christopher Colleen Valovic of Charlotte, North Carolina, Shelly Daniel Fennessey of Caroga Lake, New York and Michael Nicole Valovic of Northville, New York. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Valovic was pre-deceased by a sister, Julia Cristiano and a brother; Anthony Valovic. A prayer service will be held 9:15 am Monday from the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville and at 10 am a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial will be in Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3-7 pm at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Lexington Foundation, 127 E. State Street, Gloversville, N.Y. 12078.