C. Richard "Dick" Van Niel

He was born November 28, 1930 in Rochester, NY and graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for E.I. DuPont in Illinois and South Carolina and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Maryland in nuclear reactor safety. He served on active duty in the U.S. Navy in Keyport, Washington and retired from the Naval Reserve as a Commander.

Mr. Van Niel was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church in New Bern and had served a number of other organizations including retiree and homeowners associations and the Masonic bodies. Since moving to New Bern in 1997, he has volunteered in local yacht clubs, the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, the New Bern Historical Society and Carolina East Medical Center. The family lived in Potomac, Maryland for 29 years before moving to New Bern.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ekas Van Niel; one son, Rev. Douglas L. Van Niel and his wife Wanda of Locust, NC; two daughters, Susan J. Holman and husband John of Laytonsville, Maryland and Ellen E. Van Niel and husband Jeffery Moyers of Troy, Virginia; one brother, Robert W. Van Niel and wife Ann of Pittsford, New York; and eight grandchildren: Leslie Dorsey, Sharon and Bethany Van Niel; Earl, Christopher, Lynn and Calvin Holman; and Alyssa Moyers.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cornelius J. and Muriel A. Van Niel of Rochester, New York, and his sisters, M. Jeanne Clarke of Boca Raton, Florida and Patricia V. Beers of Des Moines, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church, New Bern at 3 P.M., Sunday, January 10, 2016. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Williamstown, West Virginia. Contributions may be made to the charity or service organization of your choice.