Obituary of Gerald T. Van Alstine

RAVENA - Gerald T. "Jerry" Van Alstine, 80, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness. 

Born on October 6, 1942, to Bertha (nee Rutledge) and Gerald R. Van Alstine, Jerry grew up in Boonville, New York. After graduating from Boonville Central School, where he played trumpet in the band and was a member of the Boy Scouts, he would continue his love of learning, first receiving a bachelor's degree from Siena College and later a master's degree in theology from St. Bernard's Institute in 1998 and a Master of Science from Iona College in 2002.  But his proudest moment was graduating with a Master of Arts from Notre Dame College in 2007. From that point on, he was an avid Fighting Irish football fan. 

 
After graduating from Siena College, Jerry began his career as an educator until he retired from Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School District, where he had taught social studies, economics, and AP courses.  Impassioned by his faith, Jerry was extremely active in his church community as well as Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he provided pastoral care to countless patients, and with the Department of Correctional Services at Greene, Coxsackie, and Hudson correctional facilities.  His passion for work in the prison system led to his second career as Catholic Chaplain at Hudson Correctional Facility, where he worked until his passing. 

 
Jerry was proud of his Irish and Dutch heritage. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of REC, and a member of Cursillo; he also belonged to several car clubs, including the Antique Automobile Club of America. He loved driving around the countryside or attending classic car shows in one of his three antique cars with his lovely wife, Susan.  

Jerry was a fun-loving soul, a loyal friend, and had a positive attitude toward everything in life.  He strived to go above and beyond anything that was asked of him and prided himself on being available to anyone in need, no matter what.  Jerry always had a story and a smile to share with those around him. And when he wasn't entertaining guests or enjoying a good meal, he found great joy in experiencing nature by hiking and camping.  He was much loved and will be missed dearly. 

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Bertha Van Alstine, and his brother-in-law James Kessler. 

 
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Susan Van Alstine (nee Kessler); his sisters-in-law, Patricia Greenfield (nee Kessler), and Janet Kessler (nee Benn); his niece, Vanessa Greenfield and her husband, Howard Becker; his nephews, Jeffrey Kessler, and Christian Kessler and his wife Mindi Kessler (nee McAllister), and his adored lab, Lily.   

The wake will be on Monday, July 31, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 900 Madison Avenue (corner of Partridge Street), Albany, with Mass following at 11 a.m. Afterward, there will be a brief graveside service at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Blaisdell Ave., Coeymans, with a reception at St. Patrick's Hall to follow.

Donations may be made to St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, 900 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12208 and the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202 in lieu of flowers. 

Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.