A rascal from birth and never one to miss an opportunity to deliver a wisecrack, Jeff ascended (hopefully!) to heaven, at the age of 81, on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He joins his mother, Tess; father, Ralph; and sister, Jill.
Jeff was born in New York City and raised in Needham, MA. In 1961, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at 8th and I in Washington, DC. It was here he developed grit, tenacity, his legendary work ethic, and an unwavering love of country. Of note, he served as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard and Drill Team during the Kennedy Administration. He provided presidential security at Camp David and was a ceremonial guard at President Kennedy’s funeral.
Known for his wit, wicked sense of humor, generosity, positivity, shiny red trucks, and wheeling and dealing (earning him the nickname “van Deal”), his optimism knew no bounds.
Jeff was an artist, entrepreneur, avid reader, birdwatcher, angler, and classic Corvette collector. His spontaneity ensured fun was to be found in unexpected places. A proud Cape business owner, Jeff ran VW Landscape for 32 years, rising every day at 4 a.m. — no alarm clock needed.
Jeff was most proud of his three daughters, Sissy, Coley, and Bunny. It was in their orbit of accomplishment — their travels and creative endeavors, their laughter and storytelling, their expansion of love, acceptance, and family, their support and care — that he found life most meaningful. They carry with them a legacy of lessons that will keep his love alive.
Jeff is survived by his loving daughters, Chrissy Pearson (Seth) of Dennis; Nicole Merriman (Jay) of West Barnstable and Katie Glantz (Craig) of Pelham, NY; four grandchildren, Kai and Indie Pearson and Lexi and Judah Glantz; his most loyal and treasured friend, Joe Powers of Boyertown, PA, who was his brother in arms and life since 1961; and the love of his life, Kathy Hunt of Brewster, MA, whose journey with him started in high school math class and transcended the ups and downs of a life well lived.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 3-5 pm at the Doane, Beal, & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Rt. 134, South Dennis. A time of continued celebration, sharing of memories and food will be held at a place to be announced following the funeral home gathering.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: North Cottage Program, Inc., (a place that provided the space and support for his recovery), In honor of John van Weel, 69 East Main St, Norton, MA, 02766. Attn: LisaJo Mitchell
You snooze, you lose. Semper Fi.
