James H. Van Hoof, Sr.

James H. Van Hoof, Sr., 82, of Plainville, formerly of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 21, 2019.  He was the beloved husband of Carol (Apruzzese) Van Hoof, with whom he shared 57 years.

Born in Hurley, Wisconsin on May 24, 1936, he was the youngest of three sons to the late Henry and Margaret (Higgins) Van Hoof.  Raised in Hurley where he attended local schools, he furthered his education at Loyola University, enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly after.  He proudly served his country for four years, was honorably discharged in 1960 and served in the Connecticut Army National Guard for 12 years.  Jim earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Hartford and his Doctorate from the University of Connecticut, and he served in public education as a teacher and an administrator in both Connecticut and Vermont.  The former Principal at Bristol Central High School, he went on to become Superintendent of Schools in Sherman, Connecticut and in Ludlow, Vermont, from where he retired.  A sports enthusiast, especially basketball, he enjoyed playing and being a spectator, and after maintaining his piloting skills from the Army, made a hobby of flying Cessnas throughout New England.  Remembered for his Irish pride, his love for Jazz and Big Band music, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed dearly, leaving his family with many cherished memories.

In addition to his wife, Carol, he leaves his children, James H. Van Hoof, Jr. and his wife, Tracey, Thomas J. Van Hoof and his wife, Jean, Michael R. Van Hoof and his wife, Jennifer, and Holly B. Hannan and her husband, Scott; his adored grandchildren, Andrew, Ashley, Rebecca, Emily, Abigail, Megan, Caitlin, Sarah, and Mary; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Gordon and Eugene.

In lieu of flowers, Jim may be remembered with contributions to Favarh, 225 Commerce Dr. Canton, CT 06019 or at www.favarh.org

Funeral services in celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville, Connecticut.  Committal services with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather on Friday evening, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville.  

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