LeRoy F. Van Luven, 94, of North Syracuse, died February 23, 2012 in Albany, NY.
Born in Niagara Falls, NY to Harry and Florence (Armstrong) Van Luven, Roy lived in Lewiston, Lockport and Liverpool, NY, Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Bradenton, Florida. He moved to North Syracuse in 1953. Roy was predeceased by his son, LeRoy R., and by his beloved wife of 65 years, Irene. He was the brother of Harry James (Jim) Van Luven (Florence Buyhoff) of Lockport, NY; Helen Bristol (John); and Lois Van Luven, all of Niagara Falls, NY.
After graduating high school, Roy worked days and attended Niagara University in the evenings. During this time, he met and married his sweetheart, Irene. Roy also attended Columbia University and the University of Tennessee. Roy loved music and had a show on radio station WHLD in Niagara Falls. Roy’s favorite job was as chief radio announcer for The Union Sun & Journal radio station WUSJ in Lockport. Roy often spoke with great fondness of his time at this station.
Roy worked in operations, research and instrumentation in the heavy chemical industry, most notably for Hooker Chemical Co., Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp. and DuPont Chemical Corp. In addition, Roy created Lock City Chemical Company. While with Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp, Roy went to the atomic energy program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to work on the “Manhattan Project.”
Roy worked as a manufacturer’s representative of technical industrial process and control equipment before starting his own successful company, Control Components, Inc. He was a life member and past President of the International Society of Automation.
Roy was a devoted husband and family man and loved animals. Roy was well- known for his magnificent voice and was frequently called upon to sing at weddings. In his younger days, he would sing at the nine o’clock High Mass in the Catholic church, then run over to the Presbyterian church in time to sing at the 10:30 services!
An avid reader with a quick wit and curious mind, Roy never stopped learning. He was truly a Renaissance man. Among his many interests were flying light planes, boating, oil, pastel and charcoal painting, reading and writing poetry, performing in local theater and musicals, photography and electronics.
Roy was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church and a member of their choir.
Roy is survived by his son, R. Paul Van Luven of Cicero, NY and his daughter, Lorraine Van Luven of North Syracuse, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to National Pubic Radio, the Humane Society or SPCA.