Harry E. Van Den Heuvel
November 1, 1933 - May 11, 2026
Harry E. Van Den Heuvel, age 92, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Born in Big Elk, MD, on November 1, 1933, he was a son of the late Harry A. Van Den Heuvel and Mary (Ross) Gaddy. Harry was a proud United States Air Force veteran, retiring in 1971 after 21 years of service as a master sergeant. He then began his career at Modern Handling in New Castle as a mechanic and branch manager. Harry later worked at the State of Delaware Department of Aeronautics for 10 years until his retirement.
Harry’s passion for aviation led him to become a private pilot and a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Delaware Wing. He enjoyed being a member of the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation as well as the Quiet Birdmen. Harry’s many achievements earned him the honor of being inducted in to the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2019. In addition to his flying, he loved to travel and explore new places. In his spare time, Harry could often be found tending to his yard.
In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his son, Peter Van Den Heuvel. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Nancy (Savin) Van Den Heuvel; children, Jo Ellen Rathbun (Bill), Lynn Christiansen (Ed), and Katie Hutchins (Larry); half-sister, Etta Helms; and grandson, Brian Rathbun.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 noon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Services and inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1858, Merrifield, VA 22116 or online by clicking here.
Charlotte Christiansen
Lynn and family, We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father Harry. He gave his Nancy and his 4 kids a great life. Lynn, I know your wanderlust was a gift from him. Thank goodness we have memories. RIP Harry
Charlotte Christiansen
Lynn & Family, we are saddened to hear of the loss of your father Harry. He certainly lived a great life. He gave Nancy & his 4 kids an adventurous life of a military family. Lynn, your dad passed Wanderlust to you! What a great gift. Thank goodness we have memories. RIP Harry
Holly Keeley
Joellen and your entire family. So sorry for your loss. There are no words to describe what your going through. Know that you all were Angel’s to him and now he’s your Angel.
Arlene
The Brown family are saddened for your loss. We had so many memories from our building, not only our homes, but the friendships we created. RIP and know you will be remembered by all the 4 Seasons community.