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Richard Van Deren Obituary
Mr. Van Deren grew up in Terre Haute, Ind., but has been a resident of Newport News since 1976. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Verna Van Deren.
He dedicated his life to his family and is survived by Leslie, his wife of 42 years; his daughter, Julia Van Deren of Charlottesville; and his sons, Andrew Van Deren of Richmond and Mark Van Deren of Newport News.
Mr. Van Deren received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University and his master's degree from Northwestern University. Richard dedicated his career to education and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa educational society. He began his career as a public school teacher. Later, he developed a teacher education program for Virginia Intermont College and finally retired from the Transportation School at Fort Eustis after 31 years of service.
His family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A private family burial will be Monday in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Because he was a life-long supporter of the arts, we request that expressions of sympathy be made to the Ferguson Center for the Arts (http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu/support.html) in lieu of flowers. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Van Deren
Jackson Van Deren
May 17, 2019
I was his grandson. I never met him but I will allways love him.
Teresa Hagy
June 22, 2017
Dr. Van Deren was my mentor and teacher at VI College. He was the best professor I ever had and was greatly instrumental in encouraging me and contributing to my success as a teacher. He was also my principal for three years at St.Anne Demonstration School. He nominated me as Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America during this time and I was shocked when I received the letter indicating I had been named for this honor. I will never forget his constant support and kindness to me during the years I was his student and taught under him. What an awesome man and educator.
David, Linda & Josh Rice
June 7, 2008
Mark,
Our prayer is that God provides the strength and comfort for you and your family through this difficult time. I know how much your father meant to you. If we can do anything for you, please call.
Todd & Rendy Dickinson
May 29, 2008
Mark-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Treasure the memories you have of your father.
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John & Ginger Branyon
May 24, 2008
Rich introduced me to the wonderful world of Training Developments back in the days of LTC Grady Burleson and LTC "Mad Dog" Mancuso at the T School. We worked hard and had fun as well. It was great to re-connect with him a few years ago as a contractor supporting the school. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry Everly
May 20, 2008
Dick was a member of our group throughout high school and college. The memories that we have of him will forever be special. Our fun times at each others' homes were wonderful for all of us. Janet, Laura, Karen, Stanley, and I were close friends. Please know that his memory will live on with us. May God bless you all.
Jon Snyder
May 20, 2008
Mark,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I'm sure your father was proud of all your recent accomplishments!
Holly Simon
May 19, 2008
Andrew-
I am so sorry to hear about your father. I know how close you were and how highly you have always spoken of him and your whole family. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rich & me enjoying a Friday Frolic pot luck at T-School
Joe Shepard
May 19, 2008
So very sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Like some of the other posts, Sheila and I worked for and with Rich at the Transportation School. I remember not only his skill and professionalism, I remember his humor and great wit. I hope you take comfort in that we always knew that it was his family that was his firrst priority. God bless you.
janet higbie
May 19, 2008
To the Van Deren family.
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. Dick, Laura Rosenberg, Jerry Everly, and I spent many an evening at the Rosenbergs enjoying waffles, matzas, etc. After high school I went off to indy to nursing school. Through the years I have cherished those memories of Dick. He was a special person.
Janet Gaskins Higbie
Andrew Conver
May 19, 2008
The Van Deren family is in our thoughts and prayers
Andy, Leigh Ann & Austin Conver
John Maples
May 19, 2008
From the entire staff at CSC, we would like to express our sincere condolences. It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of Mr. Van Deren. We had the wonderful privilege of working with him on several projects for the U.S. Army Transportation School. Under his direction, several very successful training products were created for Transportation soldiers, which are still in use today. His professionalism, enthusiasm, and charismatic manner made him such a true pleasure to work with. He will be missed by all who knew him and remembered with very fond memories for years and years to come. Out thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Sincerely,
The entire staff at
Computer Sciences Corporation
Pat and Jay Valeyko
May 19, 2008
Andrew,
We are very sorry to hear about your father's death. We know you will be comforted by the many good memories you have to him. We know he must have been very proud of the you and the young man you have become.
Michael Dooley (COL, Retired, US Army)
May 19, 2008
Dear Van Deren Family, we were deeply saddened to hear of Richard's passing. I worked with Richard at the Army Transportation School and could always count on his advice. He was a great educator and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to each of you during this painful time.
Jennie Alexander
May 18, 2008
The Van Deren's: We are so sorry to hear about the passing of such a great man. He was truly a wonderful husband and father of three wonderful children. You all will be in our prayers and thoughts.
With deepest sympathy, Jennie, Nick and Dena Alexander
M.E. Mason
May 18, 2008
Dear Van Deren Family, I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I worked with him for just about a year at the VLM. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers go to each of you during this painful time.
Barbara and Michael Joynes
May 18, 2008
Leslie, Mark, Andrew and Julia,
Our family was so sorry to learn of Richard's death. We can only imagine how sad you are now, but we hope you will be able to find peace and comfort in your special memories of Richard. You are in our prayers.
Barbara and Mike Joynes
Irene Inman-Woolf
May 17, 2008
May your precious memories bring you peace. My memories are of a great boss and will always remember his thoughtfulness. I'll always remember that his family came first in his life.
cris (griffith) duncan
May 17, 2008
Mark,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know we are thinking of you. We are so sorry for your loss. We hope the memories and love surrounding you...will ease your pain.
Love always,
Cris & Jordan Duncan
and
Coach Martha
Max Corrick
May 17, 2008
ATV:
Our thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family.
From: Max, Roni, Stephen and Preston Corrick
Las Vegas, NV.
Joy Tamburri-Pepe
May 17, 2008
Leslie,
You and your family are in my thoughts. Please know that I am here to help you if you need me.
Robyn Olson
May 17, 2008
Mark,
Please know that you are in our thoughts during this time.
Robyn, Ernie, Jessica and Hope
Gregory Henderson
May 17, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Steven Price
May 17, 2008
Andrew,
Sorry for your loss mate. I never had the opportunity to meet your father but I know he was a great man. He was cut from the same cloth as you and I know you to be a man of strong character and intergrity.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steven
Richard Stephenson
May 17, 2008
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. It was our pleasure to know such a fine man.
Karin Elke Stephenson
Karin S. Martinez
Deutsche Ecke Resturant
Nicole and Brian Cooke
May 17, 2008
Richard had a wonderful and kind spirit. He had an easy smile especially when speaking about his children. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
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