Daniel Duclos Van Mater III, born on July 1, 1937 in Neptune, NJ to Daniel Duclos Van Mater Jr. and Sarah Van Mater, passed away unexpectedly while vacationing in Budapest Hungary on July 23, 2019.  Dan graduated from Millbrook High School in Raleigh, NC & studied at North Carolina State College.  A long-time resident of Columbus, NJ he was herdsman for the family owned dairy farm, Crescent Farm Inc. Dan also worked for Red Star Trucking for years from which he retired. He was currently employed part time by Pinelands Nursery to deliver plants to surrounding retailers.  Dan was a life-long member and former volunteer fireman for Franklin Fire Company Station 331 in Mansfield Township for many years. He was also a long-time member of Mansfield's Fire Police Squad.

An avid sportsman Dan was a member of the NRA, NJ State Federation of Sportsmen and the Burlington County Federation of Sportsmen.  He was past president of the Burlington County Federation and a member of the Board Directors for more than 40 years.  He also served as a delegate to the Sate Federation for more than 15 years.  Dan was appointed by NJ's Governor to serve on the NJ State Fish and Game Commission and did so for 9 years.  In 1972 Dan was heavily involved with introducing wild turkeys from Virginia to the woodlands of NJ.

Dan was an avid game hunter and enjoyed many expeditions within the continental US and Alaska.  He was a member of the Kinkora Buck Club. Last year he enjoyed a hunting trip with his son and grandson in Missouri creating lifelong memories. Dan and his wife Kathy traveled extensively in the US and also abroad.

Dan was a gentle, quiet soul who loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a hard-working dedicated man and a wonderful role model for his children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and dear friend.

Dan is survived by his loving wife  of 56 years, Kathryn Jane (Miller), his children, Daniel Duclos Van Mater IV, wife Denise, daughter Jennifer Elizabeth Van Mater and partner David Dimon, grandchildren, Daniel Duclos Van Mater V and Gabrielle Alexis Van Mater, his sister Betty Jane Mathews, brothers; Charles, wife Margaret, Peter, wife Patricia and Roberts, wife Lynda, as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in law, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. Dan was predeceased in death by his parents Daniel Duclos. Jr. and Sarah Van Mater.

Relatives and friends may attend his viewing Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St., Bordentown, NJ 08505, from 10:00AM-12:30 and a celebration of his life from 12:30 to 1p.m.   Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Dan's name to the Franklin Fire Company Station 331, Route 206 South, Columbus NJ 08022.