Obituaries

Art Van Sciver, 56, Former Owner of Bait Shop in Rowayton

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 26 (see hours below); the funeral will be at Noroton Presbyterian Church.

Arthur Lawrence Van Sciver, a lifelong resident of Darien, passed away suddenly on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 .  Born Jan. 25, 1958 in Stamford, he was the son of Marilyn (Mariotti) Van Sciver and the late Arthur Eugene Van Sciver.  He was 56.

Art graduated from Darien High School (class of 1976) and American International College (class of 1980) in Springfield, MA.  He was the longtime president/owner of The Bait Shop, Inc. in Rowayton.  He was a member of the South Norwalk and Darien Boat Clubs. He was a former coach in the Darien Junior Football League.

Art was a varsity football, wrestling and track athlete in high school and always stayed true to his Blue Wave. After college he played recreational football and basketball in Darien where everyone knew him to be a true competitor.  Art was actively involved in the community and he cared a great deal about his hometown.

Art also cared deeply about his roots to the Rowayton community.  Before becoming an owner Art worked at The Bait Shop for many years, beginning at the age of 15.  He loved his work and carrying on a family legacy.  People will aways remember the annual “Mako Tournaments” and the fun they brought to many. Art and The Bait Shop are synonymous and he will be missed by his many loyal customers in the boating community.

Art’s greatest joy in life was his family. Those that knew him knew that he loved talking about his family and all their many accomplishments.  He was a proud man and he shared this with the world.  Art was a true friend to many and genuinely valued friendships old and new.  Though Art was a quiet man he left a lasting impression on everyone he met and he will be dearly missed by all.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jeanne I. Van Sciver of Darien; four children, Jesse Ryan of Virginia; Artie Van Sciver and his wife, Kittery, of Charlotte, NC; Jessica Van Sciver of Darien; and Kaylyn Reid and her husband, Nic, of Virginia.  He is also survived by a sister, Cindy Hampton,her husband, Phillip, of Darien and their two daughers, Samantha and Morgan; as well as another neice, Wendy Cortina, and her husband Ben of Shelton. As well as many cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home (website), 2119 Post Rd., Darien on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Rd., Darien on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Art’s name to the Norwalk Seaport Association; Darien Power Squadron; South Norwalk or Darien Boat Clubs; or a charity of choice.



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