OBITUARIES

FROM PAGE 24

fic and pedestrian circulation element will be introduced and consulting planner (Burgis Associates) will conduct a climate change resiliency assessment.

“This is a new state requirement for towns that are reviewing their master plans. The ongoing flooding issues Westwood residents and businesses routinely experience present concerns that coalesce with the timing of this resiliency assessment,” Arroyo said.

The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization of business organizations and professionals “working together to enhance our community. Together, we can foster an environment that leads to increased growth in our businesses and neighborhoods. As concerned individuals working together at the GPVCOC, we can foster a vital and responsive chamber of commerce, which results in a better return for business, professional and industrial development.”

Its vice president, Skip Kelley of Friedberg Associates, and a former mayor of Westwood, recently passed, at 77. See Page 1 and Obituaries.

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Send your news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

PascackChamber.org.

Skip KELLEY

Skip Kelley took his last breath surrounded by his adoring family on Dec. 11, 2022, after a six-year battle with cancer. He left this earth just days after his 77th birthday comfortably and quietly in his home of 47 years. He was born in Hackensack to parents Bernard Kelley and Josephine Kelley (née Toomey) and raised in Allendale. He was a loving husband, an amazing father of four children, and an adoring Pop-Pop to his four grandchildren.

Skip led a long, proud life of service, starting as an airman in the United States Air Force, where he served 1964–1968, including a deployment to Vietnam.

He continued his life of service as the consummate volunteer in what became his beloved hometown of Westwood, where he served as a little league coach, councilman, mayor, and member of countless boards, commissions, and committees.

Where he truly found his niche in his service to others was as a mentor to those struggling with alcohol abuse. Behind the scenes, Skip guided and supported hundreds of people as they transitioned into sobriety.

He loved to travel, visiting family and going on cruises. He retired in 2008 after a 25-year career with the County of Bergen, and had a very successful second career in real estate until he decided to retire for good.

He was predeceased way too soon by his younger brother Tommy, in 1968, and by his father and mother, in 1984 and 1990 respectively.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Nina, who stood steadfastly by his side; his children Tom, Tim, Chris and his wife, Erika, and Erin and her husband, Chris Kellett; his grandchildren Chris, Amanda, Shane and Colleen; his sisters Sheila Kelley, Joy Schepisi, and Pam Morey; and a myriad of in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation is Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Road,

Washington Township. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Skipʼs name be made to The Valley Hospital Foundation —Hospice Care by mail to The Valley Hospital Foundation — Hospice Care, 223 North Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 or via valleyhospitalfoundation.org/dona te.

John P. GORDON

John Patrick Gordon, 58 of Westwood, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Dec. 6, 2022 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Born March 27, 1964 to John Edward Gordon and Joan Bernadette Salmon Gordon in Jersey City. Soon after, his family moved to Piscataway, and then to Westwood, where he would live for more than 50 years.

John attended St. Andrewʼs school. He graduated Westwood High School in 1982. He graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelorʼs degree in accounting.

Shortly after graduating from Rutgers, John began working for Ernst & Young in New York City, where he would commute daily. He worked for Ernst & Young for over 30 years and made his way to being a financial analyst.

In 1984, while attending college, John worked at Marshalls in Emerson. It was here he met the love of his life, Nancy Lynn Brenner. John and Nancy were happily married for 32 years and were blessed with a daughter, Allison Brenner and a son, Sean Patrick, both of whom reside in Westwood.

John was the loving uncle to Quincy Chanda, Ainsley Chanda, Caroline Gordon, Charlotte Gordon and Christopher Gordon. John was the older brother to Kevin Andrew Gordon of Hamburg, New Jersey and Christopher Jude Gordon of Hackensack.

John was a huge fan of sports and always enjoyed watching hockey, baseball, football and sometimes even soccer. John was always representing his favorite sports teams, which included the NewYork Islanders, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and his alma mater Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

If you were playing a game of trivia, you would have wanted John on your team, as he knew everything about everything. John loved to read, whether it was the newspaper, magazines, online news articles or even just browsing the internet. When it came to sports statistics John knew it all. Ever since John was a young boy he kept written records, and could recall specific sporting events, team jerseys, and just everything sports related.

John also was an expert at recalling music artists, song titles and years of releases. John loved watching movies, and in recent years was always adding a new movie or television show to his list to watch next on Netflix.

John was an expert at events and things in history as well as geography and much more. John always somehow knew the answers.

Later in life, John suffered numerous strokes, which took away his ability to speak fluently, walk normally, and work. John was able to attend physical, occupational and speech therapy for over a year and make a huge recovery. John worked very hard while attending these therapies, to try to make the best recovery he possibly could. Although he did not make a full recovery, he was able to walk again and converse with others, and for that we are all thankful.

Recently, John joined the Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood and was able to take part in full-day sessions twice a week. It is here he got to engage with others who had suffered strokes or who had been diagnosed with aphasia. Although Johnʼs time with the Adler group was brief, we know that he really enjoyed his time there.

John is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, their two children, his two brothers, and his five nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood or Homebound Ministries of Zion Lutheran Church in Westwood.

Gloria R.

VAN OVERLOOP

Gloria R. Van Overloop was 90 years old when she passed away Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022.

Born in Ridgewood, Gloria lived most of her life in Park Ridge. She was an active member of the Montvale Evangelical Free Church for many years. Gloria and her son Mark had owned and operated two health food stores, Natureʼs Market Place, the first one in Hawthorne and then the second one in Ridgewood.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband Edward in 2007. She is survived by son Mark Van Overloop and his lady friend, Janet, a son, Chris Van Overloop and his partner, Lesley; and daughter Lori Van Overloop. Gloria was predeceased by her sister Lorita Misner. She is survived by Markʼs children/her grandchildren, Timothy and Amy. Gloria was also survived by three great-grandsons.

A memorial service was celebrated at the Montvale Evangelical Free Church, 141 West Grand Avenue, Montvale on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.

Robert E. MURPHY

Legendary track coach Robert E. Murphy, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend died, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, Dec. 12, 2022, after a long illness.

He was born Jan. 9, 1940, in New Yok City to William J. Murphy II and Helen (Harris) Murphy.

Robert graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1958. He played football, baseball and basketball for the Owls. He then attended St. Bonaventure University (BA), where he was a competitive swimmer and diver and was voted most valuable player in football. He attended Montclair State University for his masterʼs degree in education.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Judith Reimers, on Aug. 18, 1962, and two weeks later they began working together as part of the first staff of the new St. Joseph Regional High School. Their family grew to welcome three daughters: Meredith, Meigan, and Judith. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in August 2022 and lived all their lives in Park Ridge.

He was a physical education instructor and coach for over 40 years at St. Joseph Regional High School, Montvale, and North Rockland High School, Stony Point, N.Y. He managed the Washington Township Swim Club, originated United Road Runners, United Track and Field Camp, and was part owner of the Bearʼs Nest Restaurant in Park Ridge. He was awarded an honorary black belt from Bushido Karate Dojo, Hillsdale.

As coach, he received many accolades and awards during his career, among them Bergen Country Track Coach of the Year. In 2000 his 1969–1970 SJR track and field Team was voted the Track Team of the Century. The SJR track is named in his honor. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at St. Joseph Regional High School and the North Rockland Sports Hall of Fame.

He ran five marathons and many half-marathons.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William J. Murphy III, Korean War Hero, and his sister and brother-inlaw, Helen and Aldo Breda.

He is survived by his wife, his three daughters and their families: Meredith and Daniel Bronstein of Park Ridge: Stephen (wife Layla and son Benjamin,) Lyndzi, Rachel, Derryn, and Taylor. Meigan and Kenneth Bronstein, of Mahwah, and their daughters Kori and Kasey. Judith and Robert DeRosa of Park Ridge their daughter Sarah and their son, Thomas, many nieces, nephews, cousins, god children and friends.

A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2 Fremont Avenue, Park Ridge from 4 to 8 p.m. An OLM funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. Cremation follows at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to remember Robert in a special way to make gifts in his memory to St. Joseph Regional High School, 40 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ 07645 or via sjrathletics.com/murphy.

Eileen A. GIBBONS

Eileen A. Gibbons, 55, of Park Ridge passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. Eileen is survived by her daughters Kyle and Rory Sacchi; her siblings; Brenda Gibbons, Carolyn Boehmler (James), Edward Gibbons (Kimberly) and Christine Gibbons (Lawrence Esquivel).

Also survived by her nephews and niece; Casey Gibbons, Liam Gibbons, Daniel Boehmler and Tara Boehmler.

Funeral services are private. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com.