John Van Arman, age 84, of Orange, passed away on July 17th, 2026.

John Van Arman, age 84, of Orange, passed away on July 17th, 2026. Born on June 28th, 1942, in Derby, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Ralph Andrew Van Arman and Emma McKinnon Van Arman. He was the beloved husband nearly 57 years to Ruth Kilfeather Van Arman.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army before returning home to build a life in Orange. An entrepreneur with a strong work ethic, he founded John Van Arman Inc., an oil business that reflected his commitment to serving his neighbors. Over the years, he also owned as a septic installation and repair specialist business and later served the Town of Orange as superintendent overseeing municipal buildings and wastewater operations. No matter what the job was, John approached every challenge with determination.

Service to others was woven throughout John's life. He was a volunteer firefighter, an active member of the Milford Elks Lodge, and the Orange Rotary Club where he served as president and generously gave his time as a volunteer at the Orange Country Fair. Whether helping a friend, lending a tool, or offering advice, John was known as someone who would always lend a helping hand.

John had a gift for making people laugh and never met a stranger. He was a true people person whose humor, generosity, and welcoming nature made others feel at ease. A creative thinker and lifelong tinkerer, he enjoyed solving problems, fixing things, and finding new ways to make life a little better.

He found joy in simple pleasures and meaningful adventures. John loved bluegrass music and met the love of his life, Ruth, while square-dancing, a story they treasured throughout their marriage. Together they shared many adventures, including a memorable two-month motorhome trip to Alaska.

At home, one of his family's favorite traditions was gathering around the table for John's Sunday pancakes and dinner, meals that were as much about togetherness as they were about good food.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Kilfeather Van Arman and his children, Tracy Van Arman Ovesny (Joe), Lynn Van Arman Wright (Tom), and Ralph Edward Van Arman. He is survived by his grandchildren Cody Wright, Tucker Wright, and Joseph Ovesny Jr. He is also survived by his siblings, Jay Van Arman and (Debra) and Betsy Van Arman Foye.

Family and friends are invited to gather on July 23, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street in Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. the Church of the Good Shepard, 680 Racebrook Road in Orange. Interment will follow at the Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Road (CT-152) in Orange. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at codywhitefuneralservice.com