Van Pelt was laid to rest in Fishkill Rural Cemetery on Tuesday
(Special to MHNN by Action News Service)
BEACON – Funeral services for Deputy Dutchess County Fire Coordinator
Russell Van Pelt were held on Tuesday. The Beacon resident died on November
1 at age 72.
Van Pelt served in the US Air Force from 1967 through 1971 as a sergeant
and remained in the Reserves until 1973.
He had a long and distinguished career as a volunteer firefighter, served
in various leadership positions with Protection Engine Company 1 in Fishkill
and became the fire inspector for the Town and Village of Fishkill as
well as served as the fire and safety officer for the Office of Children
and Family Services.
Van Pelt served as a Town of Fishkill police officer from 1971 to 1980.
For 32 years he worked for AT&T at their facilities in White Plains,
New York City and Newburgh. He retired in 1997 as national service manager.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary, Mother of the Church
in Fishkill with interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
