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William Hendrik DeVries

TACONIC — William “Bill” Hendrik DeVries born April 9, 1947 in Morristown, New Jersey, and passed away Nov. 3, 2026. After graduating from Livingston High, he attended Lincoln Tech and then studied engineering at UCONN.

Always curious from a young age to adult, he was constantly taking things apart to see how they worked. Projects ranged from his 57 Chevy, his Jaguar XK 120, or the many different motorcycles he owned. Throughout his life, Bill was a well-respected home builder. His many beautifully crafted homes dot the Tri-State region. Later in life Bill and Joan purchased and successfully ran a small hardware and lumberyard for 32 years.

Upon retirement, he decided to build a Kit Fox light sport airplane in his garage with his best friend Dave.Many platters of cookies straight from the oven to the shop helped keep the project going. Both engineers claimed “they never met a cookie they didn’t like.”Bill flew his plane several times and then sold it. It was fun to fly but, the greatest enjoyment was building it.

Bill leaves his wife, Joan, of 57 years, his daughter Meghan, his son William and his wife Lindsay, his two grandchildren Fyn and Hendrik, and his brother J. Dale and his wife Kate.

We are heartbroken and wish Bill well on his next adventurous journey. We love him, his spirit, and will miss his presence forever. There are no calling hours as our family will mourn privately.A celebration of his life will be announced in the Spring of next year.

Millerton News

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