Frederick William "Fred" DeVries

1930 - 2018

BORN

1930

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Schoenberg Memorial Chapel Inc

519 Philadelphia Pike

Wilmington, Delaware

Frederick DeVries Obituary

Name: Funeral service for Frederick William "Fred" DeVries
Start: 2018-09-17T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Congregation Beth Emeth

Frederick "Fred" William DeVries

Chadds Ford, PA - Age 88 of Chadds Ford, PA, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Fred was born on February 5, 1930 in New York City to Frederick and Maxine (nee Sondheimer) DeVries. He graduated at the age of 15 from Columbia Grammar School, continued his education at Columbia University in Engineering, and went on to earn his Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1950. Fred had only two job interviews and went on to work for DuPont in Buffalo, NY, Louisville, KY and Memphis, TN before settling in Chadds Ford, PA. He worked at the Experimental Station and later transferred to Chestnut Run where he eventually retired from the Pigments Divison at DuPont. Fred was a world class expert in the use of cyanide in precious metal mining, traveling around the world including Eastern Europe, South Africa, and Australia educating people in the proper usage of cyanide.

He truly loved NYC, Columbia University, music, his family, being an eye witness to history, and was a proud Mason.

Fred was very active in all sorts of civic areas, including teaching Sunday School at Congregation Beth Emeth, volunteering as a judge for the High School Science Fair, helping to bring a program called Town Watch to his neighborhood, and involving himself in Pennsbury Township's recycling program.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; his sister, Helen DeVries Edersheim; two daughters, Margaret DeVries Poretz (Victor) of Long Island, NY and Carol DeVries Leeland of Portland, OR; and his son, Frederick Joseph DeVries (Danielle Saunders) of Oakland CA. Fred was blessed with four grandsons, David Poretz, Max Poretz, Elijah DeVries, and Malachi DeVries.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Monday September 17, 2018 at Congregation Beth Emeth, 301 W. Lea Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19802. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Congregation Beth Emeth.

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Published by The News Journal from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick DeVries

Sponsored by Schoenberg Memorial Chapel Inc.

11 Entries

Janet Curran

September 19, 2018

Mary and Family,
I am very sorry and saddened by your loss.
Fred will be dearly missed.
I am glad I was able to attend the service earlier this week to give my respects to him and his family. The tributes presented by family members were lovely and described the man I knew as my first boss at DuPont Experimental Station in 1965. We worked together for a few years and then our careers took us to other places within DuPont. We reconnected by phone in the early 80's when we both were involved with cyanide. He was sincerely delighted to learn that my career had taken me to a management position. I attribute that achievement to Fred who was my mentor those first few years. He taught me many attributes and broadened my business knowledge.

I will always remember that twinkle in his eye when he told our group a joke, after which he would watch us closely to see if we really caught the punch line.

All of our team members held Fred in high regard and respected his leadership.

I will always keep all of these memories in my heart. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him and his family. (Sometimes Mary would bring the children to the office.)

With deepest sympathy,
Janet Curran

Ralph Aversa

September 17, 2018

Mary: Sadly read of Fred's passing today in the Niagara Gazette.
So very sorry for your loss. Ironically just yesterday I drove by your moms former home and Ferry Ave.
I remember many great times there and in particular her phenomenal potato pancakes. And I also remember watching Alfred Hitchcock with both of you. I now watch it regularly on local television.
Please take care.

Janice Bailey

September 17, 2018

Dear DeVries Family, We send our condolences on the loss of your husband & your father. We are so sorry that we did not have the chance to meet him.
Please know that we will keep all of you in our prayers. Sincerely, Bill & Jan Bailey (Danielle's parents)

J F

September 17, 2018

Condolence to all.Seek comfort in family and close friends,Let God continue to heal your pain.

Amy (Laupheimer) McCartan

September 17, 2018

Joey -
I am so sorry to read this.

I remember your dad fondly from Beth Emeth. He had the best sense of humor!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.

September 17, 2018

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who binds up the broken-hearted comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this challenging time.(Isaiah 61: 1,2.) Sincerely.

September 16, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and friends. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. One day many will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. (John 17:3).

Jean Bostwick

September 16, 2018

I have happy, although indirect, memories of Fred, since my late husband, Joe Bostwick, worked with him at Du Pont. My wish is that happy memories will help to sustain all of his family during these difficult days ahead.

McCrae Harrison

September 16, 2018

I have good memories of visits to your home with my father, Rufford, when I was a child.
My thoughts are with you as you move forward in life. I hope happy memories will sustain you through this difficult time.

September 15, 2018

My deepest sympathies to the family of Fred for your immeasurable loss. May God 'bind up the brokenhearted' and 'comfort those who mourn' during this terribly sad and difficult time. - Isaiah 61:1,2

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