Obituary of Donald Ladd

LADD Donald E., age 84, died peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Born in Toledo, OH, he lived in Ridgewood prior to moving to Wyckoff in 1980. Donald received his B.S. degree in engineering from McGill University, Montreal. Upon graduation he was employed as a research engineer with Union Carbide. He continued his education and received his M.S. degree at Case Institute, Cleveland, OH. Don furthered his career with Union Carbide in New York and concurrently received his professional degree from Columbia University, New York. He then became Manager of Operations Research with Union Camp, Wayne, NJ where he remained until retirement in 1995. He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. Don was a member of Old Paramus Reformed Church where he had served as deacon and superintendant of the Sunday school. More recently he served as a chaperone for the church's summer youth mission project and was presently a member of the Valleau Cemetery Board of Directors. He was an active member of Hobbyists Unlimited of Ridgewood where he served for seventeen years including serving as president. Don was also active in scouting with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 5. Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joan, his three children, Lauren Meister and husband David of Fairfax, VA, Barrett Ladd and wife Tara of Wind Gap, PA, and Evan Ladd of Amsterdam, NY; five grandchildren, Caroline Wolfe and husband Ben, Rebecca Meister Phelps and husband Chris, Leah Meister, Ian Ladd and wife Lara and Raven Ladd; two great grandchildren, Connor Wolfe and Shaun Wolfe. Donald was predeceased by his dear daughter Julia Ladd in 1999. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011, 11:00 AM at Old Paramus Reformed Church Sanctuary, 660 East Glen Ave., Ridgewood 07450. A reception will follow the service in the church's Fellowship Hall. Private interment will take place at Valleau Cemetery, Ridgewood at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Paramus Reformed Church Mission Ministry (send contributions to the church) or to the National Park Foundation, 1201 Eye Street NW, Ste. 550B, Washington DC 20005. Please make checks to National Park Foundation. On the memo line indicate "In Memory of Donald Ladd." Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, Wyckoff (vpfh.com).