Attica - Harold Leo VanDame, 92, Attica, passed away in the Williamsport Health & Rehabilitation Center on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 1:55 a.m.
Harold was born in Fargo, North Dakota on June 16, 1930. He was the son of the late Charles J. and Sophia (Pearl) VanDame. As a youth, Harold moved to Attica, graduating from Attica High School in 1949. While at Attica High School he played both football and basketball for the Red Ramblers. He helped his basketball team to the semi-state session of the state tournament in 1949.
He later worked at Harrison Steel Castings Company in Attica. Later on Harold became a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, working for 42 years until his retirement in 1992.
He enlisted in the Indiana National Guard. Harold was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Attica. He was the former President of the Potowatomi Festival in Attica for several years. He served with Habitat for Humanity for several years. He was an avid sports fan for Attica High School Athletics and a die hard St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. He was an original member of the Attica Community Foundation. Harold was an avid woodworker and could fix anything. He was Attica's local handyman for many years. He was devoted to his faith and love for his community.
In June of 1952, Harold married WaStella Belle Pattengale in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Harold leaves behind his wife, WaStella of nearly 71 years along with their daughter, Alison (Gary) Schmid, Attica; two grandchildren, Gavin Schmid and Adrienne (Tyler) Mix, both of Attica. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence "Bud" VanDame, Ralph VanDame and Joseph VanDame along with three sisters, Clara LeCleir, Bernice VanDame and Thelma Verhey.
Friends may call at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 407 S. Perry St., Attica, on Wednesday, February 8th, from 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Rosary services will be recited at 12:00 p.m. followed by the funeral mass at 12:15 p.m. with Rev. David Rasner officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Attica. Memorial contributions may be made to the Attica Community Foundation, attn: Harold and WaStella VanDame Scholarship Fund.