Manville, NJ-Richard P. "Rich" Van Fleet, Jr., 83, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Plainfield, son of the late Richard P. and Bertha (Barton) Van Fleet, Sr., he resided in Bridgewater for 39 years before settling to Manville in 1997.

Rich faithfully served his country as a T-5 with the United States Army during World War II. He retired in the early '90's as a millwright having been a member of Carpenters Union Local #715 in Elizabeth for almost 60 years. Rich was a communicant of Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Manville and a member of the Martinsville VFW Post #6588.

Woodworking was one of Rich's greatest passions and he took great pride in building model sailing ships. He will always be remembered for his seasonal displays of "whirly gigs" that adorned his front lawn which he masterly crafted and his beloved wife Joan handpainted. He also enjoyed spending time at the beach and surf fishing.

Rich leaves behind his beloved wife Joan E. (Gockel) Van Fleet with whom he joined hands in marriage on January 25, 1959; three adored children, Brenda Heitz and her husband Robert of Hillsborough, Raymond Van Fleet of Pocono Lake, PA and Lisa Van Fleet of Manville, dear sister Irma Mason of Aldan, PA and loving mother-in-law Elizabeth Gockel of Hillsborough. Rich will be deeply missed by his four cherished grandchildren: Tim, Pete, Sarah and A.J. and by his many nieces and nephews especially Peggy, Nancy, Frances and Richard.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 on Sunday, May 1 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Monday, May 2 from 8 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Funeral services will held on Monday, May 2 beginning 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a 9 a.m. funeral liturgy at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Manville. Committal words and interment will take place at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge. Memorial contributions may be made in Rich's memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 14 Commerce Drive, Cranford, NJ 07016.