Obituary: Aart C. VanWilgen III, 69, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

On Monday, April 17, 2023, Aart C. VanWilgen III passed away at home at the age of 69. Aart is survived by his father, Aart C. VanWilgen, Jr., his son, Ofc. Aart C. VanWilgen IV (Erin), and his brother, Scott VanWilgen. He was the grandfather of Aart C. VanWilgen V, Ryan VanWilgen and Olivia VanWilgen. He was the uncle of Barbara Swift (Vt.), Debbie Dingman (N.C.), Tiffany Rydel, Scott VanWilgen, Brian VanWilgen, and Sandra VanWilgen. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews. Aart was pre-decreased by his mother, Barbara Mott VanWilgen, and his sister, Patricia VanWilgen.

Aart was born in New Haven, CT on January 22, 1954. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1974. He worked for United States Steel in New Haven, CT and spent his career working for the CT Department of Transportation for twenty-seven years, retiring in 2018.

Throughout his life, he really enjoyed fishing and hunting and spending time with his family at their property in Vermont. He loved collecting antiques such as rare bottles, old tools, and machines and tinkering with small engines. Aart enjoyed taking his son fishing and teaching his son how to weld and fix practically anything around the house, in the garage or under a car. They shared many laughs together, watching every Abbott and Costello movie and could both recite the entire skit, “Who’s On First?” He would regularly come to his son’s house for pizza and movie nights with his grandchildren.

Friday nights were reserved for visiting with his own father, Aart, Jr., whom he would take to the Chowder Pot for seafood dinner. He spent time with his father every day. He also enjoyed daily coffee talks with his dear friend, Diane Augur.

Aart lived a simple life, without excess or extravagance, and had a very kind and generous heart. He always made time for his family and friends. He also raised and cared for several chickens and always gave the eggs away to his family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, April 25 from 4 pm – 7 pm with a Panachdya prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Burial will be held at Branford Center Cemetery, 173 Montowese St, Branford on Wednesday, April 26 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 E. Main St., Branford, CT, 06405; https://www.branford-ct.gov/de...