Harold Van Art

Harold G. “Van” Art, 91, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Friday, July, 8, 2022, at his home.

He was born on December 9, 1930, in Reedsville, a son of the late Clair L. and Nellie A. (Williams) Van Art. Van was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, enlisting on July 12, 1948. He served as a Petty Officer 2nd Class with the VS – 23 Squadron, on the U.S.S. Bairoko, and was honorably discharged on July 12, 1952.

Van was a teacher at the Shippensburg Area School District for twenty eight years, retiring in 1987. Along with teaching, Van served as line coach of the Greyhound football team for many years. Although, Van might be best known as the SASHS driver’s education instructor, teaching Shippensburg to drive for close to thirty years.

In his free time he enjoyed hunting and fishing, golfing, camping, and loved to play chess. Van liked to garden, growing vegetables and planting flowers around his home. One of Van’s most important “pastimes” was being a grandfather and he just loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

He was a longtime member of the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church. Van was a life member of the VFW Post #1599, AmVets Post #224, Navy League of the U.S., the Escort Carrier Sailor and Airmen Association; and the N.R.A. He was a true patriot who was very proud of his time spent serving his country. His professional affiliations include life membership in the NEA, PSEA, and CCREA.

Van is survived by four children, Deborah A. Evans and husband Mike of The Villages, FL, Ronald G. Van Art of Shippensburg, Diana R. Holtry and husband Barry of Shippensburg, and Roger L. Van Art of Hendersonville, NC; five grandchildren, T. Brian Chamberlin, Matthew G. (Benoit) Van Art, Nathan J. Van Art, Caitlin R. (Tyler) Sieg, and Heather R. Holtry; six great grandchildren, Oceana Chamberlin-Martinez, Seanna Chamberlin, Miriam, Evelyn, and Charlie Sieg, and Niles Van Art-Nedlec; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Van was preceded in death by his wife of forty six years, Judith Ann (Horn) Van Art, who passed on October 17, 1998; his brother, Clair W. Van Art; and his sister, Phyllis L. North.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, Shippensburg. Rev. Ed Blank will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in the Middle Spring Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00p.m., at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Shippensburg, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday afternoon at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter or the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church.