Obituary of Louis Van Lenten

VAN LENTEN, Louis S., age 95, of Waldwick on December 15, 2009 A longtime active resident of Wyckoff and Waldwick, Lou Van Lenten was born and raised in Paterson, N. J. He graduated from Eastside High School and attended Rutgers University. Lou's career was entirely devoted to the retail grocery business. Shortly after high school graduation, he joined the A&P Tea Company, working for twenty years, managing "straight" grocery stores and supervising during the transition to super markets. He then joined the administrative staff, heading up divisions in personnel, operating, and sales, holding positions of National Director of Sales; Vice President of Columbus, Ohio Unit; Vice President of the New York Unit; and Merchandise Director. He retired after 46 years of service. While a resident of Wyckoff, Lou contributed considerable time and effort in the early growth of many town activities. He served of the Volunteer Fire Company #2 when an iron locomotive rim was rung before sirens were installed, and was a Cub pack leader. He was a founding member of Wyckoff YMCA. He also served as a Wyckoff Representative on the Regional High School Board of Education. In Waldwick, he served eleven years on the Waldwick Board of Adjustment. For many years, he was chairman of the N. J. Utility Investors' Group. As a member of the Wyckoff Reformed Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood, Lou had served on the Consistories and as a Elder. He was an enthusiastic member of Hobbyists Unlimited of Ridgewood for twenty-five years, serving as President and chairman of various activities groups. He was a 33-year resident of Tamaron in Waldwick, active in community social events and organization. Upon his retirement, Lou filled his time traveling with his wife to visit family and friends and explore continents. He also took up baking and cooking, sharing his fresh-baked bread, homemade stew, and peanut brittle with neighbors and friends. Many of Lou's friends will remember him for his drive to accomplish objectives and to encourage motivation. Survivors include son Paul and wife Sharon of Pace, FL; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Van Lenten of Rockville, MD, son-in-law Michael Stamilo of Milton, PA, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Jane; son, Lee; daughter, Ellen; and brother, Walter. Visiting is Sunday 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral services will be Monday 10:30 am at the Funeral Home followed by interment in the Wyckoff Reformed Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wyckoff Reformed Church, 580 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.