Obituary of Howard Funsch

Funsch, Howard J., 85, of Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains, NJ, formerly of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on January 18, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Howard will be remembered for his optimism as he courageously fought cancer this past year. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bridget of 57 years. Howard is survived by his 3 loving and devoted sons, Kenneth and his wife Barbara of Harrington Park, Keith and his wife Cindy of Franklin Lakes, and Daniel and his wife Sheree of Saddle River. He will be deeply missed by his 10 beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Derek, Shannon, Jameson, Candace, Daniel Jr., Connor, MacLaine, Samantha and Ashley. Howard was born one of three sons to Emma & William Funsch in Englewood, NJ on January 22, 1929. Howard graduated from Dwight Morrow HS in 1947. He served eight years with the National Guard during the 1950's as Sergeant in Company B 104th AEB. During that time he developed an interest in the Motion Picture Industry. He worked his way through college at night and majored in Accounting and Billing. He was Director, Officer and Chairman of the National Association of Credit Management for the Motion Picture and Television Credit Group from 1968-1976. He retired in 1988 after 28 years as Comptroller/Treasurer with Du Art Film Laboratories in New York City. Over the years, he shared memorable stories of his interactions with celebrities; Woody Allen, Paul Newman, Spike Lee, Meatloaf and even Mother Theresa. Howard was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Victories in Harrington Park during the 1960's where he served as an usher and Treasurer. Howard appreciated nice cars, a competitive sporting event, he loved the beach and boating; hobbies that he shared with and instilled in his children and grandchildren. He cherished many fond memories of family gatherings for weekends at his Jersey Shore home in Mantoloking. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he came to know at Cedar Crest. The celebration of his life will begin on Sunday, January 25th from 2:00-5:00 where family will receive friends at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home. www.vpfh.com 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday January 26th at the Cedar Crest Village Chapel, 1 Cedar Crest Dr., Pompton Plains, NJ, with entombment following at the Garden of Memories, Washington Twp.