Van Gelder, Paul D., 92, of Massachusetts, formerly of Newfane Vermont, October 14, 2018. Beloved husband of Merrilyn L. (Greeley) Van Gelder, recently celebrating 67 years of marriage. Devoted father of Paula Van Gelder and Betsy Mariere, both of Cambridge, Martha Van Gelder of Denver and Brett Van Gelder of Winchester. Loving grandfather of Wesley Mariere, Louis Mariere, Lindsay Van Gelder and Cole Van Gelder. Son of the late Grace (Davidson) and John Van Gelder and youngest brother of the late Clara, John, and Catherine Van Gelder. Further survived by his extended loving family, community members, and his church family at the Newfane Congregational Church.

A proud veteran of World War II, PFC Paul D. Van Gelder served in the European Theater of Operations receiving a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement and a Presidential Unit Citation as a member of the US Army 3rd Battalion 397th Infantry Regiment of the 100th Division, which fought in the final German offensive of WWII. He also served in the US Army of Occupation following the war, engaged in helping forced laborers and refugees in Germany return to their home nations.

After the war, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and spent his career in sales and distribution management for U.S. Motors, a division of Emerson Electric. Skiing drew him, and the Van Gelder family, to Newfane where they built a small vacation home on the West River, enjoying every season in Vermont. Upon retirement Paul and Merrilyn left Connecticut and built their dream home on Route 30, spending thirty years as part of the community, and operating the “Auntie M’s Attic” antique shop. He was founder and first president of the Newfane Business Association, formed to help promote local businesses and raise funds for community projects.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 1:00pm at the Newfane Congregational Church (on the town green), 11 Church Street. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Paul D.Van Gelder with a donation to the veteran’s organization of your choice, or that you reach out to recognize or assist an individual veteran in your community.