Born to Harold Van Gorden Sr., and Olive Miller Van Gorden on June 9, 1933, Dave was a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Dave was a proud veteran of the United States Army and New Jersey Army National Guard. He was a farmer in his early years and ultimately retired as a loyal employee of High Grade Beverage.
Dave was a beloved member of his community. His most notable contribution was when he lobbied for and helped establish the Stillwater Fire Company, where he served as a volunteer firefighter and Chief of the Department. Dave became a life member and was an integral part of gathering equipment and designing/purchasing the fire trucks. He enjoyed cooking for the department dinners, clam bakes, and chicken barbeques. He loved hunting and fishing and passed his love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Harold Van Gorden Sr., and Olive Miller Van Gorden, his sister Maryln Weber, his sister Barbara Kayes, his brother Charles “Buddy” Van Gorden, his brother Gary Van Gorden, and his son, David Carlisle Van Gorden Jr. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Harriet Sipley Van Gorden; his daughter Deborah Van Gorden and her husband Greg Dickinson, his daughter Theresa Steckel and her husband Albie, his daughter-in-law Wendy Van Gorden, his son Shawn Van Gorden, and his son Grant Van Gorden and his wife Sophia; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; his brother Harold Van Gorden Jr. and his wife Ruth, his sisters Mary Ellen Baracvac and Aleta Singer; as well as many nieces , nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Stillwater Firehouse, 929 Stillwater Road, Stillwater Township, on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 4 to 8 pm with the fireman service beginning at 7 pm. Dave will forever be laid to rest at the Stillwater Cemetery, 930 Maple Avenue, Stillwater Township, beginning at 11 am on Saturday, April 23, 2022.
Memorial donations may be made to the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company, 929 Stillwater Road, Newton, NJ 07860.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, New Jersey. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com
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