Dennis VanDerveer

Dennis William VanDerveer, 72, peacefully left his family and home to go to his final resting place on September 23, 2011. He was born in Deland, FL to William and Joyce VanDerveer. An artist by profession, Dennis painted billboards all over the continental US, eventually transitioning his talent into a profession in scenic art where he worked for Walt Disney World, painting backdrops, murals, television sets, movie props and most notably being one of the artists who worked on the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom. Upon retiring from production painting, he continued to paint in his studio at home. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities at Rollins College in 2007, and was enrolled as a graduate student pursuing an MFA at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Dennis also spent many of his later years as a print, television and film actor, employed and featured by Disney and Publix with his proudest acting accomplishment being his starring role in the film November Guest that debuted at the Sarasota Film Festival in 2006. Dennis married his lifelong friend and love, Susan, on April 13, 1973. He had many passions and interests including fishing, walking, golf, writing and baseball. He was a devout Catholic convert and third degree Knight of Columbus with the Bishop Thomas J. Grady Council, 5618. He is survived by his wife Susan, sisters Marlaine Skelly of Orlando, FL and Joani Crews of Norcoss, GA; brothers Bruce VanDerveer of Seneca, SC and Ken VanDerveer or Orlando, FL; son Chris VanDerveer of Loveland, OH; daughters, Denise Blasi of Chicago, IL; Leslye Hartley of West Chester, OH; Renee Stookey of Acworth, GA; Eva Talley of Valrico FL; Heidi Adams of Johnson City, TN; Elizabeth Deck of Oviedo, FL; Gabriella Tuccitto of Longwood, FL and 20 grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL on Tuesday, September 27 at 11 am celebrated by his friend and priest, Father Rick Voor. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE (2273). Please visit www.degusipefuneralhome.com to leave a special condolence.

Dennis VanDerveer

October 18, 1938 - September 23, 2011