John Lew

John “Jack” Van Lew, 75, of Midland, NC and Danbury, CT, passed away peacefully at Carolinas Medical Center – NorthEast in Concord, NC on February 13, 2014. He was born November 19, 1938 in Hydeville, VT to the late William and Matella Van Lew. He was also predeceased by his wife, Marie Viviano Dumas; his brother, William Van Lew; and his sister, Joan Cain. He graduated from Fair Haven High School in 1956, and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves where he was a vehicle mechanic. He had been employed as a mechanic supervisor by Jace Transportation in Danbury prior to his retirement in 2003. He enjoyed spending time on Lake Bomoseen, NASCAR, working on race cars, watching his grandson Michael race, camping, spending time with family and friends and his beloved dog, Mitzy. Survivors include his daughters, Debby Biathrow (Howard) and Lorrie Pehm (Brian) of West Rutland, VT; his son, Randy Van Lew (Maryann) of Pawling, NY; his step-children, Allyson Dumas and Jason Dumas of New Milford, CT, Robert Dumas (Nicole) of Midland, NC, Douglas Pilla (Noy) and Dennis Pilla (Bobby Jo)of Tequesta, FL; two sisters, Doris Morse of Florida and Mary Kazsuba of Wisconsin; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, George Cross of Midland, NC. A memorial service will be held this summer in Vermont. In honoring his love of NASCAR, memorial contributions may be made to the Victory Junction Gang at Victory Junction, 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317.