Arthur DeVries Sr.

Williston, Vermont - Arthur DeVries was born December 1, 1936 in the Netherlands Holland. He was a son of Dirk and Wilma DeVries (deJong) of Sussex, New Jersey. In 1947, Arthur's family immigrated to the United States on the Veendam ship settling at first in Belvedere, New Jersey with David deJong; his Mom's brother. They later made their home on a farm in Sussex, New Jersey. Arthur graduated from Junior High in Vernon Township in June 1951, but was unable to graduate High School with his class because he had to work on the farm. He later went on to achieve his GED diploma. Arthur was a wonderful Husband, Father, Father-In-Law, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He loved his family deeply. He was a very gentle, gracious and kind man. He met the love of his life, Helen Norman while roller-skating at Poison Pete's roller rink in Branchville, New Jersey. She was the most beautiful girl in the rink as he told it! They were married October 15, 1957 in the Sussex Christian Reformed Church in Sussex, New Jersey and they celebrated 68 years together. They raised their family in Sussex where Art built his first home with his father- in-law. Arthur enjoyed collecting old bottles, trapping and hunting in his younger years, as well as fishing in the Delaware River with Helen and the family. But, his real joy was snowmobiling and riding his bicycle. He was also a member of the Newton Historical Society in his younger years. Arthur was a family man. He took his responsibility seriously. He provided for his family not only financially, but he gave them his time. Every year he took his family camping at the Jersey Shore which was always a very special time. He was a selfless person putting his family first and instilling a strong Christian faith in his children. He was employed for 35 years at the Sussex County Plumbing and Heating Supply Company in Newton, New Jersey. He retired at 62 years old and moved to Dingman's Ferry, Pennsylvania and built his dream home, which he with his wife enjoyed until his unfortunate Alzheimer diagnosis at 72 years old that robbed him of his dreams and his mind. Through it all, he remained kind and gentle. With his devoted wife, Helen by his side, he relocated to South Burlington, Vermont in 2015 to be close to his daughter, Donna for family support. It was difficult for him, but he accepted his diagnosis. He fought the battle for nearly 18 years because of his love for his wife and family. He was able to remain at home with his wife, Helen for 15 years due to Helen's faithful and loving care along with his daughter, Donna and son- in- Law, Greg. The family would like to thank the Vermont Nurses Association (VNA) of Colchester, Vermont and especially caregiver, Kevin Donegan who helped care for Art with kindness, patience and love until being placed in Allen Brook Memory Care in Williston, Vermont. Allen Brook Memory Care is a special place where Art received loving and compassionate care. The family will forever be grateful for his care from everyone at Allen Brook and would also like to thank the staff at the McClure Respite House and the Hospice Team at the UVM Medical Center (UVM) in Colchester, Vermont. And, also a special thank you to Dr. Marga Sproul for the loving care of their Dad. He was predeceased by his son, Arthur DeVries, Jr, his father and mother, Dirk and Wilma DeVries, his brother, Theunis DeVries; his three sisters, Winnie DeVries, Susan Struble and Jenny Kuperus. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen of South Burlington, Vermont; his three daughters, Donna Clark-Kelsey (Greg Kelsey) of Hinesburg, Vermont, Debbie Pellegrini (John Pellegrini) of Villas, New Jersey, Linda Wall of Plainfield, New Jersey; his brother, Fred DeVries and his wife Rita of Bloomingburg, New York; a special nephew, Rich Struble from Essex, Vermont; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julie Van Nieuwland (Steve Van Nieuwland), Jessica Norful (Jordan Norful), Melissa Mason (Aaron Mason), Nicole Pellegrini, Angela Schaffer (Jessie Schaffer), Kimberly Nicklaw (KC Nicklaw) Sarah Giavanniello (Rocco Giavanniello) and Alison Wall and his great-grandchildren, Mike Pellegrini, Aidan Norful, Paige Van Nieuwland, Ava Norful, Morgan Van Nieuwland, Asher Norful, Payton Sue Mason, Jay Nicklaw, Gia Wall, Isabella Mason, Myles Nicklaw and Bryce Nicklaw. "Thank you Dad for our memories. Even when you were slipping away we could catch a glimpse of Dad, Husband and Papa. You are in a place where your wounds are erased and scars are replaced by the hands that hold you now, but you will live on in the better parts of all of us." A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church, 49 Unionville Avenue, Sussex, New Jersey on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 with interment immediately following at Frankford Plains Cemetery, Augusta, New Jersey. Friends may pay their respects to the family on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex, New Jersey. Please consider a memorial donation in Arthur DeVries' memory to the Alzheimer's Association, the Memory Care at Allen Brook, Williston, VT or the McClure Respite House Colchester, VT. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com