Obituary: Van M. Hendrickson​, 77, Of Milford

Information via Cody-White Funeral Home

MILFORD, CT — Van M. Hendrickson passed away on March 7, 2024, at Milford Hospital in Milford, CT. Van was born on October 10, 1946, in New York City, NY to the late Morrell and Dorothy Hendrickson.

As a child, Van lived in Milford, CT, nearly all his life. He enjoyed playing youth baseball for Legion and even pitched a few no-hitters for his teams. Van’s mother and father opened the first Carvel on Bridgeport Avenue in Milford, where Van spent afternoons and weekends helping and developing an unmatched love for ice cream (which he religiously ate every night after dinner). That Carvel continues to operate successfully to this day.

Later on, Van served as an English professor at Milford Academy, where he also held the position of Dean of Students. His academic journey extended to Quinnipiac University, Housatonic University, and the University of Bridgeport, where he shared his wealth of knowledge with students throughout his life.

Beyond the classroom, Van was an avid gardener, finding purpose and joy in cultivating nature's beauty and providing every friend and neighbor with baskets of extra vegetables throughout the summers. He embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in activities such as tai chi, biking, and swimming, showcasing a zest for life that inspired those around him. Van's intellectual curiosity was boundless; he was a voracious reader, delving into diverse subjects, and had a particular fascination with learning anything and everything he could about historical events. His passion led him to explore numerous battlefields, forts, and other historical sites across the United States, immersing himself and his family into the history of these destinations on every family vacation.

Van is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary Miller, and their daughter, Julie Hendrickson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Henry Clark; his brother-in-law John Dugay and family; his nieces Shaileen Landsberg, Maureen Lucas (Daniel Lucas), and Christine Stanton; great nephews Coleman Hathaway (Nicole Hathaway), Henry Lucas, Gavin Lucas, Ted Stanton, and great niece Amelia Stanton; and his “grandpuppies” Penny and Daisy, as well asmany additional cherished family and friends. Van was predeceased by his sister-in-law Bonnie Clark, and brother-in-law Michael Miller.

A Visitation to celebrate Van's life will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Cody-White Funeral Service (107 Broad St, Milford, CT) from 5 to 8 p.m. A Prayer Service will commence at 7:30 p.m.

In memory of his life-long passion for education, Van’s family requests any donations be made to the financial aid scholarship/endowment funds of Sacred Heart Academy (Hamden, CT) or Notre Dame High School (West Haven, CT). To do so, please visit https://www.sacredhearthamden.... OR https://www.notredamehs.com/gi...