Gary E. VanVliet, 55, a lifelong area resident, died suddenly on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born in Poughkeepsie on August 7, 1954, he was the son of the late Elmer and Marion Scofield VanVliet.  Gary was employed as a painter for Marist College in Poughkeepsie for the past 24 years.  He loved motorcycles and was a former member of the Lost Wheels and Abate Motorcycle Clubs.

On December 23, 1974 in Poughkeepsie, Gary married Maria Caputo who survives at home.  He is also survived by his daughters, Melissa Flaccavento and her husband Joe of Wappingers Falls, Jennifer Burns of Wappingers Falls and Christina VanVliet of Chelsea; his grandchildren, Ashley, Julianna, J.J., Givanni and Kailey; and his sister, Carol of North Carolina.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.