Trevor Van Hise

Trevor Van Hise, age 48, of Orange died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Trevor is survived by his best friend, his “lobster” and Love of his life, Denise. Together they have three children, James 20, Jenna 18, and Jackson “Boo” 10. He is also survived by his adoring father Errol Van Hise (stepmom Ruthann), sister Susan Young (Scott), sister Corrinne Van Hise (Dan), his wonderful in-laws Linda and Donald Vincelette, aunt-in-law Louise Rapacciuolo all of Milford, and his aunt-in-law Joni George of Myrtle Beach, SC. He is also survived by 3 nieces, 3 nephews and cousins-in-laws including Jamie Rapacciulo of Delaware and Alisa (Bill) Sullivan of Derby. Trevor had many lifelong friends too numerous to mention. If you were lucky enough to have met him, I can almost guarantee you he would leave a lasting impression on you. 

He is preceded in death by his mother “Moms”, Sally Van Hise, who was his best friend, trusting confidant and avid supporter. She along with his Dad, helped instill Trevor with an exceptional work ethic and drive by never letting him quit and giving him the motto “IT CAN BE DONE”.  He is also predeceased by his loving and supportive paternal grandparents Natalie and Burton Van Hise, and maternal grandparents Marion and Vincent Taugher. 
Trevor and Denise met when he was installing carpet in her apartment in West Haven. Trevor went above and beyond to impress Denise during their courtship including taking her for a private plane ride along the Connecticut shore and around NYC landmarks including the Twin Towers and the Statue of Liberty. He also made sure he let her know that he donated all of the carpet and installation to the First United Church of Christ on the Green in Milford where they later would marry on January 7, 2000 and baptize all of their children. The family moved to Orange in 2004 to raise their children.
Trevor was born and raised in Milford. He was a tremendous athlete who excelled playing baseball for the National Little League including tournament teams. He was known to hit many home runs out of the park and played his heart out at shortstop. He also played football as a defensive end and linebacker for the Milford Elks and was on the team when they won the Bob Boss Championship Tournament.  His love and talent for sports stayed with him into adulthood, and he coached his children in Orange Little League, Orange Park and Rec Basketball, and Amity Pop Warner Football. When he wasn’t coaching his children, he was on the sideline cheering on his children and their teammates.

Trevor loved basketball, baseball, and football. His favorite sports teams were the Boston Red Sox, but his second favorite team was the New York Yankees. This confused some people but it was perfectly understandable how Trevor could have a fondness for two rival teams. Trevor made decisions based on what made him and his family smile, not what was expected. 
A genuine smile is described as “the crinkle of the eyes, the upturn of the corners of the mouth, and the flexing of the muscles in the apples of one’s cheeks. You can smile with your mouth, cheeks, eyes, or all three”. If you knew Trevor, you knew his smile. And it was genuine. Every day.
Jackson, 10, who was nicknamed Boo by his family, the spitting image and larger than life personality of Trevor, wants his father to be remembered as such, “He would always think about me. He took me to all my practices. He was my coach and my dad. He read me stories. He never gave up. He’s a champion.” 
Trevor launched his business Carpet & Tile by the Mile in Milford in 1995, and convinced Denise to come work for him less than six months after they met. They ran and operated the store together and have generously donated to many local fundraisers including sponsoring local sports teams. Denise will continue his legacy with the help of the children and the professional installers who have worked for them for many years. 
Trevor is at rest and we hold him close within us. Please hold him close, as we do, in your mind and spirit.

There will be a walk-through visitation on Thursday January 28th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm in THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. Please follow current pandemic concerns by wearing a mask and keeping social distance. It is asked that you kindly enter the funeral home and leave through the rear doors after greeting the family to accommodate all visitors.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, there is a GoFundMe set up https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-vanhise-family?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.

Or you can mail a check to Denise Van Hise- Carpet & Tile by the Mile, 554 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT  06460

Please support your local family businesses including Carpet & Tile by the Mile.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Trevor Van Hise, please visit our Tree Store.