John R. Vander Molen Wyckoff, New Jersey Obituary

John R. Vander Molen

<p>John Robert Vander Molen, age 76, of Prospect Park passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2021.</p> <p>Born in Passaic, John was raised in Clifton and later moved to Prospect Park, where he lived for 49 years.&nbsp; John is survived by his loving wife, Wilma (nee Van Gent), whom he was married to for 52 years.&nbsp; Devoted father to his four children and their spouses--Kenneth Vander Molen and his wife Cindy of Round Hill, Virginia; Jeffrey Vander Molen and his wife Sarah of Hawthorne; Christine and her husband Mark Sweetman of Prospect Park; and Daniel Vander Molen and his wife Cynthia of Wyckoff. &nbsp;He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren:&nbsp; Lindsay, Ethan, Rachel, Chloe, Liam, Jack, and James.&nbsp; Also survived by two brothers, Howard of Clifton and David of Grandville, Michigan.&nbsp; Predeceased by parents John and Jeanette, brothers Martin and Edward.</p> <p>John and Wilma met as young children at Hope Reformed Church in Clifton.&nbsp; Their relationship blossomed through their mutual interests and activities at the church.&nbsp; One of John&rsquo;s favorite activities was to bring Wilma to the car races.&nbsp; He had a special affinity for classic cars, including his blue &rsquo;55 Chevy.&nbsp;</p> <p>John was a faithful member of the Union Reformed/Abundant Life Church for 46 years where he served in numerous roles as a Deacon, Elder, and member of the choir.&nbsp; He was dedicated to the children of the communities in which he lived by serving on multiple School Boards of Education for 46 years, including Prospect Park, Manchester Regional, Passaic County, and the New Jersey State Board of Education.</p> <p>John worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Passaic for 44 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; He made a point of getting to know everyone on his route and prided himself on providing friendly customer service.</p> <p>In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:</p> <p>Cystic Fibrosis Foundation</p> <p>&ldquo;Ethan&rsquo;s Team&rdquo;</p> <p>111 Littleton Road, Suite 221</p> <p>Parsippany, NJ 07054</p>
July 7, 1944 - May 11, 202107/07/194405/11/2021
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Steve Shohfi
May 14, 2021
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. His legacy is all of the thousands of students he’s helped through his tireless school board work for so many years. New Jersey Public Education is better because of his efforts. Goodbye to a true gentleman.
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Joshua Joppie and Kaelyn Villarreal
May 14, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Small Spathiphyllum

Small Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of John R. Vander Molen. Send flowers

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Willie
May 14, 2021
He was such a special person, praying for you Wil and the family.
Small Spathiphyllum

Small Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of John R. Vander Molen. Send flowers

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Jarrod and Janel Joppie
May 13, 2021
To: Aunt Wilma & The Vander Molen Family,
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, will keep our love, support and prayers from reaching you. Hugs from Michigan.
Large Dish Garden

Large Dish Garden was purchased for the family of John R. Vander Molen. Send flowers

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Nancy Steenbergen
May 13, 2021
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Although I haven't met most of you, I am a 2nd cousin of Wilma. I knew her parents and we visited with my Mom when I was a child. Through social media, we have been able to stay in contact and a support for each other as we t... Continue Reading
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Jim Grimes aka Postman
May 13, 2021
Condolences the Vander Molen Family on Johns passing I truly shocked as I just talked to him on Tuesday as he walked home from the post office on Haledon Ave . We worked together at the Auto Parts store and shared our stories of working on the Post Office  . he was real ... Continue Reading
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Maria Gencarelli
May 13, 2021
A candle was posted for John R. Vander Molen.
A candle was posted for John R. Vander Molen.
M
Mark Snyder
May 13, 2021
It's shocking news. John was a great man, leader, friend and community activist. He shall be missed by so many of us.
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Laura Hall
May 12, 2021
A wonderful, loving, Christian family man, devoted to his wife, Wilma, their children and grandchildren. With tears, I send condolences to his family -- quite a legacy he shared with us all. May God bless and comfort those who mourn. May your loving memories come to over... Continue Reading
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Dan Vander Molen
May 12, 2021