Obituary of Edward Van Duzer

Van Duzer, Edward J. age 70 of Wyckoff died Thursday, February 9, 2012. Born in Paterson, he was a lifelong resident of Wyckoff. In his teen years, Ed developed a passion for cars, and was a member of the "Pacemakers" car club of Midland Park, through which he restored classic cars and made hot rods, which were displayed annually in the Ridgewood's Fourth of July parades. Ed displayed artistic talent from an early age. As a young man, he did truck lettering for local businesses and entered and won awards in art contests; later, he designed the logo for his own business. An avid musician and accordionist, Ed recorded and released the hit song "Big Mouth," which was played across the region on radio stations. Later in his musical career, he led the "Eddie Vann Trio," providing entertainment at local restaurants, weddings, anniversary parties and other community events in the area. Ed was the owner and operator of Evan Transportation, Midland Park and Oakland, NJ for many years. The company, which began as a school transportation enterprise later expanded into limousines and coach buses. Ed thought of his employees as family, and maintained lifelong friendships with many of them even after his company was sold in 1989. Ed was deeply committed to community service. He was a devoted member of the Wyckoff-Midland Park Rotary Club, and later the Oakland-Franklin Lakes Club, and rarely missed a meeting. He was honored by Rotary International with a number of awards, including the Walter D. Head Foundation Award and being named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also on the Board of Directors of West Bergen Mental Health, a comprehensive mental health clinic in Ridgewood. Ed was an active member of the Old Paramus Reformed Church in Ridgewood, and loved his church community. He served as both a deacon and an elder. He was a member of the choir and the Music and Worship committee, through which he was instrumental in modernizing the church sound system. Ed was passionate about tracing his family's heritage. He was a member of the Holland Society of New York and the Past President of the Old Bergen Branch. Ed loved the New York Yankees. He loved a good Bloody Mary and bacon and eggs. He loved diners, fine wine, and the many family pets he owned over the years. He loved to host a party. Most of all, he loved being surrounded by friends and family. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Carla (nee Brandt) Van Duzer of Wyckoff; his daughter, Kimberly, her husband Nicholas Chatzilias, and his two grandchildren, Sophia and Elena; his son, Thomas Edward and his wife, Mollie, of Seattle, WA; and his brother, James, and his wife Sheryl, of Wyckoff, as well as nieces Lara and Elizabeth, nephew James, and several cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11 am at Old Paramus Reformed Church, 660 East Glen Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Private Cremation was held. In lieu of flowers, donations to Old Paramus Reformed Church's Music Ministry (www.oldparamus.org) or West Bergen Mental Health (www.westbergen.org) are appreciated. Arrangements by the VanderPlaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481.