Albert J. "A.J." VanVlasselaer, 96, of South Bend, died Saturday November 12, 2016. "A very special thanks to Julie, Rick and Tanya at Your Home Assisted Living - for caring for Dad like he was your own. We also wish to thank the Center for Hospice Care and their staff." Albert Joseph VanVlasselaer was born February 23, 1920 to Edward & Marie (DeWitt) VanVlasselaer. On April 11, 1942, A.J. married Mary (Hanyzewski) VanVlasselaer, who preceded him in death on November 11, 2015 after 73 years of marriage. During WWII, he was a Staff Sgt. with the US Army Air Corps, stationed on Saipan in the South Pacific. A.J. retired after 43 years of employment with Torrington Co. in South Bend; he enjoyed woodcarving, playing the organ and golf. In addition to his parents and his wife, A.J. was also preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Machowiak, granddaughter, Sara Gondocs, sisters, Florentine (in Belgium), Julia White, Philomeen (Thelma) Daniels, Victorine Libertowski and his brother, Bob VanVlasselaer. He is survived by his son, Rick (Maribeth Roncz) VanVlasselaer of Granger, grandchildren, Scott Machowiak of Osceola, Nick Machowiak of South Bend, Todd (Stephanie) Machowiak of Indianapolis and grandson-in-law, Chris (Jaci) Gondocs of New Carlisle; great-grandchildren, Shawn Machowiak of Indianapolis, Brandon Machowiak of Granger, Dillon Gondocs of New Carlisle and several nieces & nephews. Private services and burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements through Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy.The family''s preferred memorial is the Center for Hospice, c/o Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. To leave a remembrance of A.J. or to extend condolences to his family, please visit chapelhillmemorial.com.