Arthur R. Verbeck

Arthur R. Verbeck (Art), 94 of Yorklyn, DE, passed away at home on May 18 due to complications from vascular dementia. Art was born in Flushing, LI, NY but grew up on Staten Island, NY where he went fishing, hunting and clamming. He owned his own commercial clam boat at age 16. During the Great Depression, at age 5, he helped his family by selling Liberty Magazine and seashells from his little red wagon.

After graduating from high school, Art joined the Army Air Corps and trained as a pilot until World War II ended. He then attended North Carolina State University where he earned a BS in Forestry and an MS in Experimental Statistics and Mathematics. While working at NCSU Textile School, he was introduced to one of the first computer mainframes and was given the opportunity to try his hand at programming, developing an aptitude that would turn into a career and lifelong passion. Art was a published author in the Textile Research Journal and a member of Sigma XI. He worked for various companies over the years until his retirement from Hercules, Inc. of Delaware.

Art loved classical music and opera. His voice had a beautiful, operatic baritone quality that would resonate through the house. He loved to laugh and found humor in the world around him. Equally as adept in woodworking as he was in computer programming, he crafted all the millwork in the family home. He could create, repair or refinish anything in his beloved workshop and recruited any available family member to assist.

This is a small synopsis of the life of a man whose stories and adventures could fill a book. Art loved life and always said he wanted to live to 100 years old, just like George Burns. He will always be remembered for his brilliant mind, sense of humor, patient teaching, sage advice and strong moral compass.

Art is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lis (Andersen), daughter Linda (Burt), son Art (Jan) and grandchildren Erika and Jordan, plus an “honorary grandson”, Patrick Nobles. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur John and Lydia Kuhnbaum Verbeck.

The family wants to thank Delaware Hospice for the wonderful care and support they provided that allowed Art to remain at home. A special Thank You to Betty, Faith, Jamie, Rev. Michael, Linda and Jan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Fl., Newark, DE 19711.