Theodore Van Why

WINSTED — Theodore “Dorie†Van Why, a lifelong resident of Winsted, died June 27, 2009, following a long illness.

Born in Winsted on Feb. 21, 1919, he was the third of five children of Eugene and Ethel Barteau Van Why. He graduated from The Gilbert School, followed by a year at Green Mountain College. From his early years, he displayed an aptitude for and a keen interest in art, especially in what he always called “commercial art.â€

For decades, he ran Van’s Sign Studio, producing high quality signs for area businesses and lettering trucks and windows. With his wife, Margaret, he also designed and printed silk-screened posters for many concerts, theater productions and other events, including the prestigious annual New York Antiques Show.

Dorie was a quiet yet proud veteran of World War II who served three-and-a-half years as an Army medic in Italy and North Africa, caring for his sick and wounded comrades. He retired from the art department of The Travelers Insurance Company after many rewarding years of service. Until failing health forced him to give it up, he continued his artistic pursuits into his 80s.

Dorie and his wife, Margaret Whitehead Van Why, were married 41 years before her death in 1989. For years, they spent winters in Venice, Fla., where they made many new friends and also enjoyed getting together with a number of their Winsted friends who spent time in the Venice area. Beginning in 1985 in Seattle, they enjoyed several reunions with Dorie’s Army buddies. They also shared a deep love of music, which Dorie passed down to his daughter and her children.

Mr. Van Why leaves a daughter, Gretchen Van Why Gowen; a son, Theodore E. Van Why of Los Angeles, Calif.; a grandson, Peter Gowen and his wife, Constanza Gowen-Segovia, of Winsted; a granddaugther, Sarah Gowen, of Frederick, Md.; his brother, Eugene Van Why of Clayville, R.I.; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Wharton Van Why of Colebrook; his brother-in-law, John C. Whitehead of New York City; and 15 nieces and nephews. He also leaves his beloved standard poodle, Margot.

He was predeceased by his brothers, John and Joseph; and his sister, Julie Anne.

A celebration of Mr. Van Why’s life will be held Saturday, July 11, at 11:30 a.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington, with the Rev. Carolyn Dukenski and the Rev. Sandra Cosman officiating.

Burial with full military honors will take place in Center Cemetery, Winsted. Mr. Van Why’s family will welcome relatives and friends to visit Maloney Funeral Home, Winsted, Friday, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. To leave an online condolence, visit maloneyfuneral.com.

Any memorial contributions in Dorie’s name may be made to a division of the National Institute of Health (NIH): c/o The National Institute for Neurological Disorders & Stroke, Financial Management Branch, Building 31, Room 8A34, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2540, Bethesda, MD 20892-2540. For further information, people may call 301-496-4927 or e-mail giftfunds@ninds.nih.gov.

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