Alan R. Van Gelder

Sussex - Alan R. Van Gelder, age 97 passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Sussex to the late Richard and Violet (Stoddard) Van Gelder, Alan has lived in Sussex all of his life. Alan graduated from Sussex High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Following his military service, he was employed as a chemist throughout his career, including at the Lime Crest Quarry for more than 35 years before retiring. He also served as a part-time police officer for Sussex Borough Police Department for many years. A devoted member of the community, he was a 70-year lifetime member of the Sussex Volunteer Fire Department. He also partnered with his wife, Arlene, at Sussex United Methodist Church, where he eagerly assisted her with the many church activities she organized, especially the beloved turkey and ham dinners. He was always willing to lend a hand in the kitchen and wherever help was needed. He loved gardening and was well known for the massive garden in his backyard, generously sharing his harvest with neighbors and friends. During winter snowstorms, he could often be seen on his John Deere tractor, plowing snow throughout the neighborhood for those in need. Besides his parents, Alan was predeceased by his devoted wife, Arlene in 2020 and his brothers, Earl and Frank Van Gelder. He is survived by his daughter, Sue Ellen Hampson and her husband Brian of Hawthorne and his grandchildren, Leslie Robinson and her husband Julian of Bloomfield and Scott Hampson and his wife Maria Collins of North Carolina. Friends may pay their respects to the family on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with interment at Fairview Cemetery in Wantage. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Alan's memory to the Sussex Fire Department, 25 Loomis Avenue, Sussex, NJ 07461. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com