David VanDeusen, 91

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — David VanDeusen, 91, of Dewey Way in Sheffield, Mass., passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington.

Born May 2, 1927, in New Marlborough, Mass., he was the son of the late Harry E. and Myrtle Mansir VanDeusen. He attended local schools. A member of the U.S. Army, David was drafted on July 24, 1945. He served as a prison guard in Germany and Austria at the end of World War II until being honorably discharged on January 27, 1947.  

He was a talented furniture upholsterer and together with his wife Eleanor they owned and operated VanDeusen Custom Upholsterers in New Marlborough. Prior to that he had done various jobs such as driving truck for Gilligan’s and laying black top for Victor Spadaccini.  

David spent many hours working around his home, where he tended to his large vegetable gardens and raised animals. He enjoyed motorcycles and motor scooters and was a member of the Southern Berkshire Motorcycle Club. He loved to dance with his wife and together they spent many Saturday nights at the Pearly Gates Saloon dancing to their bands.

He is survived by four sons, David B. VanDeusen and his wife Deborah of East Canaan, Conn., Ronald K. VanDeusen and his wife Sara of New Marlborough, Mass., Dwight A. VanDeusen and his wife Sandra of Winsted, Conn., and Timothy B. VanDeusen and his wife Cynthia of New Marlborough, Mass.; his sister, Phyllis Hockett,; as well as 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  

He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor Holcomb VanDeusen, on December 6, 2010.  The couple was married on October 16, 1949. He was also predeceased by their daughter, Bonnie Alice VanDeusen, as well as his siblings Doris Palmer, Donald VanDeusen, Mildred Smith, Carol Wickwire, Harry VanDeusen and Robert VanDeusen.  

Funeral notice: A service celebrating the life of the late David VanDeusen will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. Jill Graham. There will be no calling hours. Donations in memory of David may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.