ILION - John R. VanPelt Sr., 67, of Colonial Circle, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002, in his home after a long illness. He was born Nov. 19, 1934, in Edwards, son of the late John R. and Rachel Kerr VanPelt. John was raised and educated in Edwards. On Nov. 15, 1969, he married Mabel Anderson in Ellenville. A resident of Ilion since 1973, he had worked for the Ilion Department of Sanitation, retiring in 1985. John was a loving, caring and hopeful man who always put his family first. Surviving besides his loving wife of 32 years, Mabel, are two sons, John R. VanPelt Jr. and his companion, Terry Moshier of Utica and James M. and his wife Heather VanPelt of Wilmington, N.C.; a daughter, Laura B. and her husband Wayne Archer of Ilion; four sisters, three grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be on Friday at 5 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. The Rev. George Greene, rector of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Ilion, will officiate. Mr. VanPelt will be laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery later this spring. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends Friday from 1-3 p.m.