Arthur (Art) William Divens Sr. Navy Submarine Veteran of World War II March 16 1925 to June 25, 2011

Passed away in Severna Park from Heart Failure and has joined the Angels, his family and shipmates. Arthur W. Divens Sr. was born in Trafford, Pa to Robert and Signa Divens and was raised in Levelgreen, Pa. along with eight brothers and sisters. With his older brothers John and Robert, he answered the Nation's call, enlisting in the Navy on August 25, 1943 and served as a submariner. He was assigned to the USS Queenfish SS393 throughout the Pacific Campaign. The Queenfish earned the Presidential Unit Citation with six battle stars. After the war he served aboard the USS Aspro, USS Sandlance, USS Archerfish, USS Cobbler, USS Cubera, USS Entemedor, USS Orion, USS Gilmore, and finally the USS Shark SSN 591, one of the earliest classes of Nuclear Attack Submarines. He retired from the Navy in December 1964 as an Instructor at the Advanced Undersea Weapons School in Key West, Florida as .a Chief Petty Officer (ETC (SS)).

Following his Naval Service he continued to serve his country for ten years in the Central Intelligence Agency. After receiving his college degree in 1975, he played a part in the early development of the Washington Metro System and later retired from the Baltimore Mass Transit Administration as the Superintendent of Electronics.

He volunteered his time to his community. He was a scout leader and a member of the American Legion, Fleet Reserve and Saint John's Catholic Church. He was an active member and leader of the Submarine Veterans of World War II, serving as the Maryland State Commander. He routinely volunteered his time to provide tours of the USS Torsk docked in the Baltimore Harbor.

His greatest legacy is his family. He married his hometown sweetheart, the former Catherine Mediate. They traveled the country and world together during their 60 years of marriage. They have two children who both followed his example in service to their country, CAPT Cynthia Sweeney, NC USNR (Ret) and Mr. Arthur W. Divens Jr who oversees shipbuilding in the Department of the Navy.

He is idolized by his seven grandchildren, Cori Sweeney Phillips, Katie Sweeney Wilson, Rob Sweeney, Chrissy Sweeney, Alison Divens O'Connor, Laura Divens, and Molly Divens. He has one Great Grandson, Daniel Arthur O'Connor.

He is survived by his siblings, Mr. James Divens, Mrs. Joanne Ramsey, and Mrs. Shirley Malvasi.

Visitation will be held at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home on Thursday, June 30 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 1st at St. Johns, 689 Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park at 10 AM.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on August 30, 2011.  Family and friends should meet at Arlington's Administration Building at 8:00 am.

Donations may be made to So Others Might Eat (SOME), 71 "O" Street NW Washington DC 20061 in the name of "Poppy's Prancers" and to USSVI Scholarship Fund, PO Box 3870, Silverdale, WA 98383-3870.

We love you Poppy. You will always be with us. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com