Born August 1, 1961, in Newton, Davey was a long-time resident of Sussex County. Davey served thirty-two years between the United States Army and New Jersey National Guard, where he achieved the prestigious rank of Sergeant First Class. Davey had an outstanding military career with multiple deployments until he was honorably discharged in 2016. Davey was a Master Welder/Electrician by trade, working with the IBEW Local 102 and self-employed of recent.
Davey was well known in the community as a lifelong member with the Stillwater Volunteer Fire Department, where he had served as Chief. Davey lobbied for Stillwater and the surrounding area to have a first response team and medical aids. On top of being a volunteer firefighter, Dave was also a part of the Stillwater First Aid Squad and the Stillwater Sportsman Club.
Davey is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Jean Van Gorden (nee Davis); his parents, David and Harriet Van Gorden; his son, Russell and his wife, Lauren, and granddaughters, Tessa and Audrey; his son, Colby and his wife, Kellie, and grandson, Jaxen Christopher; and his son, Austin. Davey is also survived by his siblings, Deborah (Greg), Theresa (Albert), Shawn, Grant (Sophia); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Davey, you were a shining example of all that is good in the world. Through example, you taught goodness, kindness, compassion and love. Davey had many lifelong friendships that were very dear to him. Our family has an overwhelming feeling of being blessed to have had a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle, grandfather and friend.
Visitation for David will be at the Stillwater Firehouse, 929 Stillwater Road, Stillwater Township, on Friday, March 5, 2021, from 1 to 7 p.m. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2021, in Stillwater Cemetery, 930 Maple Ave, Stillwater Township.
Memorial donations may be made to 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.
