Fordham Baseball Fundraiser in honor of Coach Van

To know him, was to love him…John Charles Vanacore (Charlie Van) was the best of the best in every aspect of his life. Best husband, best Dad, best friend, best hitter, the best at making the best out of every situation, and the absolute best coach out there, both on the field and off.

 

Aside from being a Dad, coaching was his greatest passion-whether it was coaching at the collegiate, travel or little league level, he loved it all the same. His ability to bring out the best in every player he coached was truly a gift and the lasting impression he has made on SO many lives is truly remarkable. His years playing baseball and coaching at Fordham (FCRH '75) were among the proudest of his life. There was nothing that made him happier than bringing his girls to watch him play at the yearly alumni games where he could show off how he was still able to hit a line-drive up the middle.

 

Being lucky enough to have him as our Dad was beyond a gift in itself. But being able to have him as our coach, mentor and best friend has made us the luckiest girls in the world. His passion and drive motivated us to be the best version of ourselves; while also always knowing how to have fun, help others and enjoy the little things in life. Even with the brutal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 60, he never once should an ounce of pity towards himself. Instead, he smiled wider, lived larger and loved even harder.

 

While he was so cruelly robbed of his golden years, we have in peace in knowing our Dad lived his life to the fullest and are grateful for the ENDLESS memories, lessons and laughs we have with him. Our biggest regret is that his four beautiful grandchildren -Christopher John, Charlotte Jo, Ryann Nicole & John Charles-lost him way too soon, and (among a million other things) won't be lucky enough to learn how to swing a bat from the best.

 

Our dream is to have a batting cage dedicated to Fordham University in honor of, "Coach Van" so that we can bring his grandchildren to the alumni games that he loved so much, and reinforce the legend that their "papa" was & always will be...

 

All of our love,

Charlie's Angels (Joleen, Janelle & Jaclyn)

EVENT DETAILS

In honor of his birthday weekend, we will be hosting an event-all proceeds will go towards Fordham Baseball ⚾️ Hope to see you there!

Mickey Spillanes
Saturday April16th,2022
Food & Open Bar 3-6 PM
Adults-$100 a ticket 
Kids 12 & older-$25 a ticket
Kids Under 12-Free

Please RSVP to [email redacted]

If you would like to pay ahead you can pay on this site, otherwise please bring cash on the day of event. But please be sure to RSVP with total number of adults/kids!

If you are unable to attend, but would still like to donate-any amount is greatly appreciated!
 
Thanks to all & in the words of Charles-“live,laugh,love”.