John K. “Smokey” Van Tassel, 73, of Lake Monticello, Va., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on Nov. 2, 1944, in Franklin, N.J., a son of the late Miles T. Van Tassel, Sr., and Lona Marie (Taylor) Van Tassel.
He was employed by the Fluvanna County Public Schools as a groundskeeper/custodian at the new Fluvanna County High School.
Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Brigitte Van Tassel; two daughters, Tina Ditta and husband, Vincent, and their children, Katrina and Marcus Ditta; and Lisa Cain and her husband, Bruce, and their children, Clayton Cain, USAF and his wife, Kelcie, Bryan Cain, USAF, and Matthew and Travis Cain; a brother, James Van Tassel; a sister, Bertha Canfield; a niece, Amanda Grefski and her daughter, Evie; and a number of other extended family members and friends.
A funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ann Willms at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, at Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Jan. 17, 2017, at the funeral home.
Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.