Dennis R. DeVries, age 82, longtime resident of Riverton, NJ
passed peacefully on December 13, 2025.
Dennis was born in 1943 to late Helen (nee’ Kuiper) and
Raymond F. DeVries in Kankakee, IL. His parents’ families
were farmers, and Dennis spent his summers working on the
family farms. He attended Southern Illinois University. He
also would spend time working for the Railroad before
starting a career in manufacturing. He served in the Marine
Reserves, where was a helicopter mechanic.
He came to New Jersey in early 1970’s and for a number of
years was a manager for U.S. Steel in Pennsauken, NJ. Dennis
earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and
would continue as manager for various manufacturers in the
area before embarking on his second career in real estate.
Dennis became a successful Realtor in the South Jersey area,
and eventually he would become a Broker and Co-Owner of
RE/MAX Main Street Realty in Moorestown, NJ. Dennis thrived
on helping his clients and friends to navigate the process
of buying or selling their homes. He thoroughly enjoyed his
time in real estate, eventually retiring in 2010.
He
was a “master tinkerer”, whether he was working away in his
garage or on the family home in Riverton, he was happiest
tinkering on projects. Dennis enjoyed sailing on his Mariner
for many years, loved old cars and travelling to see the
world. In his retirement he spent many happy hours
volunteering at Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville, NJ.
He loved being outdoors, and after retiring, he joined
a hiking club and walked 1,000 miles in one year. Most
of all, Dennis loved his wife, Jan, and their family,
especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and
their close-knit group of longtime friends. He is
remembered by all for his spirit of adventure and fun, his
great laugh, and his generous heart.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 42-years, Janet B.
DeVries, and children, Scott W. Buchan and wife Jennifer,
Morgan B. Leone and husband Andrew, Jennifer L. DeVries and
wife Mindy DeVries, and Dennis W. DeVries. Also surviving
are his dear grandchildren, Caitlin Sembukutigge and husband
Varuna, Jordan Morrison and husband Dan, Zachary Leone and
wife Gianna, and Nathan Leone, as well as his
great-granddaughters, Ruthini and Elowyn Sembukutigge and
Maeve Morrison, with another great-grandchild on the way.
A gathering to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held in the
Spring. Condolences and remembrances may be shared with his
family on his obituary page at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com
and, if desired, contributions in his memory to the
Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org
would be appreciated to continue to support their work
improving care and advancing research towards a cure.
