Obituary of George Mettler

George, 77, a longtime resident of Ramsey, New Jersey, passed away on Friday, April 15th, 2016 surrounded by his family, beloved wife Joan and loving children Kirstin and Jason. He was born in Jersey City, and very proud to have completed all of his education in the state, from the Rutherford public school system, on to Newark College of Engineering, and Seton Hall Law School. George was a true outdoors man, and with each season came renewed interest, from bicycle racing or sailing in the summer, to ice boating and cross country skiing in the winter. An avid hiker, he climbed extensively in New Jersey, New York, as well as on an expedition in the Himalayas. He enjoyed traveling, but always preferred his tent and sleeping bag over a hotel and bed, and public transportation over a car. He was an avid reader and lifelong student, taking classes in areas that interested him, especially foreign languages. His passion was classical music, and he enjoyed going to concerts and playing his favorite pieces on the piano. George was a devoted family man, proud of his Italian and Swiss heritage, which he passed along to his children and wife, by taking them to visit family in Dosoledo, Italy, and Basel, Switzerland. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter, her husband, Michael Stefura, and grandson, Jake Stefura. Also surviving are his brother-in-law John Hayes, brother-in-law Michael Conway and his wife Mary, godsons Michael Conway and Kurt Alberts, and nephews Andrew Hayes, Jeffrey Hayes, Gavin Hayes, John Conway and niece Meaghan Conway. Dear brother of the late Karen Hayes. George was a member of many clubs and professional organizations, such as the Appalachian Mountain Club, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and was a member of the Ramsey Rescue Squad. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, April 19th from 4-8PM at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff, New Jersey. The family will celebrate his life, and honor his memory with a mass on Wednesday, April 20th at 10AM at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club or the Boys Scouts of America.