Arthur R. Vande Poele BG (DE Ret)

May 5, 1931 - May 7, 2014

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visitation

Location Not Available

Tuesday 5/13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery

2465 Chesapeake City Rd

Bear, DE 19701

Wednesday 5/14, 11:00 am

Location Not Available

Wednesday 5/14, 9:30 am

memorial

St. Matthew's By the Sea United Methodist Church

1000 Coastal Highway

Fenwick Island, DE 19944

302-537-1402 |

Saturday 5/24, 11:00 am

Arthur R. Vande Poele, BG (DE Ret.), 83, passed away peacefully at Atlantic Shores Nursing Care in Millsboro on Wednesday, May 7, 2014.

Born in the Bronx, NY on May 5, 1931, Art was the son of the late Arthur Charles and Lena Monti Vande Poele. A 1949 graduate of Newark High School, Art went on to the University of Delaware where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1954 and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He pursued graduate studies in Education and earned his Masters from New York University in 1963. In 1954, Art entered the military and served with distinction until 1984 and retired with the rank of Brigadier General (DE Ret.). In 1972, he was the first Delaware guardsmen to attend the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. In his civilian life, Art served as the Executive Director of the Delaware Lung Association for 20 years and during that time hosted a radio show on WDEL. He finished his career with the Department of Defense, NG Bureau, retiring in 1995. Art was a member of Newark United Methodist Church, St. Matthew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church in Fenwick Island, DNGROA, ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and the Delta Kappa Alumni Association.

Art enjoyed life and was always ready to entertain friends, family, and new acquaintances. Whether tailgating at the University of Delaware football games or on the deck of his Fenwick Island home beneath the happy hour cocktail flag, Art would be ready to serve G&T’s, Manhattans, or your drink of choice. Art was a proud Delawarean, who was known by many and liked by all who knew him. He always loved a good joke and was quick to share one of his own, even if you heard it a hundred times before! Art was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to sing their praises. He will be missed by his loved ones who were so very proud of him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, June Jarrell Vande Poele of Fenwick Island; a daughter Robin Verch (William) of Abingdon, MD; three sons, David Vande Poele (Anna) of Hockessin, DE, Chris Vande Poele (John) of Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Jeff Vande Poele (Kim) of West Grove, PA; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Leah, J.C., and Fallon.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at Brandywine Senior Living and the Atlantic Shores nursing care facilities.

A service honoring his life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711 with a visitation at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6 – 8:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. An additional service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at St. Matthew’s By the Sea United Methodist Church in Fenwick Island, DE. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and mailed to the funeral home.

RT Foard

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Flowers & Gifts

Location Not Available

Tuesday 5/13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery

2465 Chesapeake City Rd

Bear, DE 19701

Map

Wednesday 5/14, 11:00 am

Location Not Available

Wednesday 5/14, 9:30 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

St. Matthew's By the Sea United Methodist Church

1000 Coastal Highway

Fenwick Island, DE 19944

302-537-1402 | Map

Saturday 5/24, 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Arthur R. Vande Poele, BG (DE Ret.), 83, passed away peacefully at Atlantic Shores Nursing Care in Millsboro on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. Born in the Bronx, NY on May 5, 1931, Art was the son of the late Arthur Charles and Lena Monti Vande Poele. A 1949 graduate of Newark High School, Art wentContinue Reading

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Dear Jeff and Kim, I have the fondest memories of Art. He allowed me to stay at his and June's place in Fenwick many years ago. He was a kind man who was always ready with a cocktail and a good joke. Some mornings, after Jeff and I were out too late, he would ask us if we wanted a homemade egg mcmuffin. I always said yes of course. Peace to you Arthur and thank you for your kindness.

It is a great loss that Art is gone. He was a very warm and giving person, who never let life's challenges alter his positive manner. He was always ready to help anyone with a need, while he, himself, was hurting. His children can be very proud of a life lived with genuine love.

June and family, I will miss the cheery greeting I always got from Art. Though I haven't seen him much lately, I remember Art well. I always thought you were lovely godparents. Thanks for being in my life - both of you! Debra Morris

I've known the Vande Poele's for years as close friends of my parents Mr & Mrs. Norman Guarinello. I remember going to their trailer in Fenwich before they built their beautiful home and having to cross the highway to get to the beach. I also remember driving by their home and looking for their flag. The flag meant they were at the house. My parents spoke often of Mr. & Mrs. Vande Poele and their family with such great fondness and care. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers to his children and grandchildren as well as Mrs. Vande Poele.

My parents owned the farm (now Christiana Meadows Apartments) across School Bell Road from the Vande Poele's farm (now School Bell Apartments). When it was hay-hauling time, Art's father would loan my father (Ralph Larson) a small Ford tractor to pull the wagon so that my dad did not have to unhitch one of his tractors from the elevator. I learned to drive a tractor at a VERY young age on that Ford tractor before being 'promoted' to my dad's John Deeres. As a late teenager, when I was still a child, Art would come over to our farm and, along with my cousin, Ted Weeden (who stayed with us in the summer), help with the hay hauling. I was on Route 7 just yesterday (May 11), passing by our two farms on a dual highway. We would not have envisioned that back in the 1950s! Much later, after Mrs. Vande Poele moved to West Main Street in Newark, my mother took me to a dentist just about across the street, and I remember stopping to visit Art's mom on a couple of those trips. May God wrap your family in His love, comfort, and peace at this difficult time.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I lived with Jeff at Art and June's place one Summer in Fenwick. He was cool to let me stay there, but I knew he wouldn't put up with any shenanigans. He was a great man.

I grew up with Chris and had many fond memories with the family. From sharing a meal (with a G & T) to building his wood shed in Newark. Mr. V always had a good time. I respected him, more than he will ever know. Just an amazing man and I will miss him greatly.

After 50+ years of friendship with Art and June, I was deeply saddened to hear of his death. With the Lung Association, we shared many fun times together, and since we were both graduates of the U.S. Army War College, we shared many stories about our military experiences; but most important of all was the true friendship we both shared and valued to the end.

Jeff, Gary and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you're in our thoughts and our prayers. If there is any way we can be of some assistance to you and your family, we'll be there. I know from our many conversations, how much you loved "The General" and I can only imagine how much he loved you! What I didn't know until today was that your dad and my dad shared the same name! Although this is such a difficult time, know that you have friends that will be there when you need them! Hang in there - Gary & Maria Webster

Jeff and Family, I am so sorry about your father and send my deepest sympathy. All of us here at CUA are thinking about you and know that the wonderful memories you have of your father are a great comfort. While I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, it was nice to see that he and I shared the same birthday. Take care. Pat Schnably, CUA

Art enjoyed great respect from all his coworkers at the Edgewood Area offices of the Army Guard. He was a wonderful, positive and inspiring and supportive person. He always made us laugh and he was our secret weapon who cut his way through redtape and into the office of our target audiences. I remember one day he called a few of us outside and asked that we look down at the grass. It was "orange". Since the offices occupied a former Nike missile site and since Edgewood was know for experiments in biochemicals and other strange and unusual materials - we decided not to drink the water anymore. From that day until the facility moved to VA - Art carried the water in from his home. He was and always will be a loved memory.

Art was a wonderful neighbor in Fenwick. He always looked after our house and more importantly was a cheerful inspiration. From the time he got his initial diagnosis and through Junes illness he was always positive. We will miss him. Amy,Larry,Brett and Adam Banker.

Our families were neighbors and friends for many years.. Our kids grew up together with many memorable times. Art was always fun to be with yet willing to lend a hand when help was needed. He will be missed by many.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Art's passing. We just visited him on Good Friday and he seemed to be doing so well and looking forward to returning to his home in Seatowne. Art was special to us as we have a daughter and son-in-law in the Air National Guard. Art kindly counseled them with regard to their career management and partly due to his efforts they remain in the service today. This may not have been the case without his advice and careful guidance. We will miss him dearly. He did much for our community at Seatowne and our sympathies are extended to all members 5of his family. WE LOST A GREAT FRIEND. JOHN AND SUZANNE EDINGER

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.