Donald Van Houten

Donald Van Houten ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Carmona-Bolen Home for Funerals, LLC - Toms River on Mar. 17, 2026.Donald Van Houten – Born November 4, 1928 in Nutley, NJ passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026 in The Pines Village Nursing Facility in Whiting, New Jersey. He was 97 years old. His wife, Helena May Van Houten, predeceased Donald on September 8, 2025 at age 97.Donald's parents were Robert and Mabel Van Houten of Nutley, NJ, one of 9 children (all deceased). He graduated Lincoln Grammar School in Nutley; enlisted in New Jersey National Guard for six years. Met his wife, Helena Cueman; married for 76 years. Lived in Lincoln Park for 25 years working as a mechanic for Lincoln Park Public Works and volunteered as a Lincoln Park Fireman. He enjoyed attending Firemen picnics, Firemen conventions and dinner/dances with family and friends. In 1978 he move to Port St. Lucie, FL for 19 years and then moved back to New Jersey (Whiting) in 1997. His hobbies were working on cars and playing with trains.He is survived by three children, Donald R. Van Houten (wife Darlene) of Jackson, NJ; Nancy Lillie (husband Jeffrey) of Greenville, FL; Georgene DeBenedetto (husband Ralph) of Bayville, NJ; six grandchildren – Nicole, Marc, Jeremy, Matthew, Jessica, Dana; three great-grandchildren – Chase, Isabel, Casen.Funeral arrangements: no viewing, the family will hold a private gravesite ceremony at a later date. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.carmonabolenfh.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.