BANGOR – Frank J. “Van” Vanchieri, 77, died Feb. 23, 2008, surround-ed by his family at a Bangor hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 18, 1930, in Corona Long Island, N.Y., to Alfonse and Louise Vanchiro. He was a graduate of P.S. 16 Junior High and Queens Vocational High School. In 1947 Van enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent eight years working on destroyers including two tours in the Korean War. He married the love of his live, Joan M. Posthauer in 1952. In 1955 Van left the Navy and enlisted in the U.S Air Force, he was stationed at Presque Isle and Dow Air Force Bases until his retirement in 1967. Van then worked part-time for Red’s Texaco station on State Street and Broadway until opening his own service station in 1970, best known as Van’s Texaco on State Street, until his retirement in 1985. He came out of retirement and enjoyed employment at Village Subaru, Bangor Tire and Center Street Exxon, finally retiring after its closing. Van enjoyed many hobbies, including feeding the birds, gardening and reading. He was well known for his Italian cuisine and dinner parties with close friends. He loved his great friends at cardiac rehab and all the b/s at the Coach House. He was best known for his dry sense of humor, quick wit and will be especially missed by his neighbors for his beautiful vegetable gardens. He will remember his best friends, customers and acquaintances from throughout his life. The family would like to recognize CancerCare of Maine, Ross Manor and give many thanks to the girls on Grant 6 at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s oncology department for their outstanding care. He is survived by his wife, Joan M. (Posthauer); sons, Tom and his wife, Brenda, of Eddington and Rick of Clifton; daughter, Marianne “Mame” of Brewer; sister, Rosemary Civiello of Ocala, Fla.; grandchildren, Lee Anne, Danielle, Kyla, Janelle, Dawnna Leigh and Logan; great-grandchild-ren, Emma Marie, Cassandra Jean and Zachary Gerard; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph; and daughter, Janice Lee. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, with the Rev. Roland Nadeau, Catholic chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, officiating. Internment will be after at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Van may make donations to Bangor Humane Society, 693B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401.
FRANK J. ‘VAN’ VANCHIERI
