David Charles Van Sickle

In addition to Happy, he leaves behind his four children, Judy Johnson, Susan Castle (Tom), Lisa Lentz (Don Wiley), Randy Van Sickle (Maggie); stepchildren David Halligan, Brad Williams (Kaye), Bill Williams (Samantha), Brian Williams (Bookies); grandchildren Emily (Dustin), Vanessa (Mike), Tyler (Courtney), Caitlin, Sarah (Andrew), Tommy (Hilary), Jack, Will, Hannah, Emma, David, Owen, Campbell, Devin, Colby, Kieran, Rory, Zach, Dylan, Bryce, Reese, Maude, Haven, and Eleanor; great-grandchildren Joel, Lucy, and Grace; his former wife Jean Applegate Van Sickle, nieces Karen and Mary, and nephews Randall, Richard, and Tom. David was preceded in death by his brothers Roger and Richard, sisters-in-law Dolores and Jean, and stepdaughter Whitney.

Born in Port Jervis, New York on June 11, 1930, Dave grew up in the same small town and was raised for many years by his aunt, Minnie Van Sickle. He graduated from Port Jervis High School and Rutgers University, entered the ministry in 1955 upon graduating from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and later obtained a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Union Seminary in New York City. Following his ordination in The Reformed Church in America, the Reverend Van Sickle served as associate to Howard G. Hageman at The North Reformed Church in Newark, New Jersey (1955-57) and then as minister to congregations at The Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne, New Jersey (1957-67) and The Upper Ridgewood Community Church (1967-1983).

Upon moving to North Chatham, Massachusetts, Dave and Happy founded and managed Chatham Village Realty while also spending hundreds of hours restoring their home at 110 Scatteree Road, where the back door was always open. “Scatteree” would become the scene of many joyful gatherings for friends and family year-round. As their real estate business flourished, Dave and Happy loved welcoming numerous families and prospective homeowners who grew to value Chatham’s special charm and exquisite natural beauty.

While cherishing the entire extended family that he shared so lovingly with Happy throughout their years together, Dave also delighted in planning their travels abroad and spending winter seasons at The John’s Island Club in Florida. He attended countless events in the lives of his children and grandchildren, traveling far and wide to celebrate many important milestones. David loved literature and poetry, classical music and Broadway show tunes (especially those of Rogers and Hammerstein), the Rutgers University Glee Club, the United States military and its veterans, the Brooklyn Dodgers, Notre Dame football, Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Chatham’s lighthouse and its generous views of the sea. He believed deeply in the Word made flesh, our resurrection through Jesus Christ, and the promise of eternal life.

Loving husband, eloquent and inspiring preacher, devoted father and grandfather who balanced depth of thought with a witty sense of humor, accomplished poet, intelligent philosopher, and true American patriot, “Pappy” will be deeply missed by all his loved ones who will forever treasure their vivid memories of the life he lived so meaningfully, prayerfully, and joyfully.

A celebration of David Van Sickle’s life will be held in the sanctuary of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17, with funeral arrangements provided by Nickerson Funeral Home; for online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Christopher’s Church, 625 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 or to Broad Reach Hospice, 390 Orleans Road, North Chatham, MA 02650.

Soli Deo Gloria.