David VanDeusen, 91, of Dewey Way in Sheffield passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington.
Born May 2, 1927, in New Marlborough, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Myrtle Mansir VanDeusen. He attended local schools. A member of the U.S. Army, David was drafted July 24, 1945. He served as a prison guard in Germany and Austria at the end of World War II until being honorably discharged Jan. 27, 1947.
He was a talented furniture upholsterer and, together with his wife, Eleanor, owned and operated VanDeusen Custom Upholsterers in New Marlborough. Prior to that he had done various jobs such as driving truck for Gilligan’s and laying black top for Victor Spadaccini. David spent many hours working around his home, where he tended to his large vegetable gardens and raised animals. He enjoyed motorcycles and motor scooters and was a member of the Southern Berkshire Motorcycle Club. He loved to dance with his wife and, together, they spent many Saturday nights at the Pearly Gates Saloon dancing to their bands.
He is survived by four sons; David B. VanDeusen and wife Deborah of East Canaan, Connecticut, Ronald K. VanDeusen and wife Sara of New Marlborough, Dwight A. VanDeusen and wife Sandra of Winsted, Connecticut, and Timothy B. VanDeusen and wife Cynthia of New Marlborough. He also leaves his sister, Phyllis Hockett, as well as 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor Holcomb VanDeusen, Dec. 6, 2010. The couple was married Oct. 16, 1949. He was also predeceased by their daughter, Bonnie Alice VanDeusen, as well as his siblings Doris Palmer, Donald VanDeusen, Mildred Smith, Carol Wickwire, Harry VanDeusen and Robert VanDeusen.
A service celebrating the life of the late David VanDeusen will be held Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at 2 p.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. Jill Graham. There will be no calling hours. Donations in memory of David may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
