Garrett Joseph Aldershoff, whom his family described as a gentle and humble man, was a World War II veteran and a career truck driver. He died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. He was 96.

Mr. Aldershoff was born on April 18, 1922 in Glenville, New York to Hendricks and Anna (née Zderdicka) Aldershoff. When he was young, his family moved to a farm in Rotterdam. He worked on the farm through his teens.

He was then employed as a desk clerk at General Electric in Schenectady. Wanting to be outside, he transferred to a truck-driver position.

He was drafted into the Army during World War II. He served with the 32nd Red Arrow Division, 127th Infantry, which fought in the South Pacific — Luzon, Leyte, Bana Peninsula, and the Villa Verde Trail.

Upon returning home in October 1945, Mr. Aldershoff met his future bride, Della, while roller skating. He was employed again, driving truck for the G.E. Knolls Atomic Power Lab for the next 42 years.

“Garrett was a gentle, humble man who enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was at home, camping, or relaxing at his summer home at Sacandaga,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He loved fishing on the lake and gardening in his vegetable garden and tending to his raspberry bushes. During apple-picking season, he spent many long nights picking and sorting apples with his brother, John, to insure they were ready for market the next day.”

****

Garrett Joseph Aldershoff is survived by his sons, Garrett J. Aldershoff and his wife, Debbie, of Scotia, and John H. Aldershoff and his wife, Jane, of Lumberton, New Jersey; and by his daughter, Donna L. Rechter, and her husband, Jeff, of Belle Mead, New Jersey.

He was a loving grandfather to Jennifer and Joseph Aldershoff and Brian and Melissa Rechter. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

His wife of 63 years, Della May (née Dancause) Aldershoff, died in 2011. His six siblings — Henry and John Aldershoff, Elsie Hansen, Frances Halsdorf, Ann Adams, and Mary Relyea — also died before him.

“Mary and Garrett were great company to each other after their spouses passed,” his family wrote. “Mary’s daughters, Phyllis Relyea and Pat Brown, were also a great support to their uncle.”

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Feb.13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont. The funeral will be on Thursday, Feb.14,  at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park in Rotterdam.