Theodore L. “Ted” Van Duysen, 79, passed away peacefully Jan. 16, 2016, in his home, after a long illness. Born April 22, 1936, in Dendermonde, Belgium, to Arthur and Rosalie Van Duysen, they came to the United States when he was 11.

Ted graduated from high school, then joined the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960. After serving in the Navy he became an American citizen. He was very proud and honored to be an American and serve his country in the Navy.

He moved to Maine in 1961 from New Jersey, and married his wife, Darleen Rousch, on July 1, 1962. Ted worked at Waldo Shoe and retired after 15 years from GTE Sylvania. They opened their own business, Liberty Video, for 10 years and worked the concession stand at Wiscasset Raceway for Dave and Sandra St Clair — Ted loved running the grill.

Ted was a previous Liberty Town Selectman, a member of the Liberty Fire and Ambulance departments, the Masons, the local Grange and AmVets. He was president of the AmVet Food Pantry — his motto was "We Refuse No One" — and he was very involved in the local community. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, family barbecues, gardening and watching TV, especially the SyFy TV channel.

Ted was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Randy Van Duysen; and his in-laws, Edward and Dorothy Rousch. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darleen Van Duysen; his daughter, Audree and her husband, Peter Sayward, of Appleton; his son, Wayne Van Duysen of Liberty; his grandchildren, Kurtis Van Duysen and his girlfriend, Jill, and Stacey James and her husband, Bill; five great-grandchildren, Lilli, Kurtis “KJ” Jr., Evelyn, Martin and Noah; his brother, Charlie Van Duysen and his wife, Angel; his niece, Kyle Pierce and her husband, Scott; longtime family Phyllis and Earle Albert; several nieces and nephews; and last but not least, his faithful dog, Diesel, and cats, Fussball and Spook.

A special thank you to Dr. Steven Wilson, Waldo County Home Health, Waldo County Home Hospice, all the staff at Waldo County Hospital and the EMTs on Liberty Ambulance.

No services will be held at this time. A private service will be held in the summer with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to help with medical expenses.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.