Daniel Vander Kooy

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Vander Kooy, age 90, of Pompton Plains, NJ.

Daniel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 while receiving the loving care of his family.  He was born in Passaic and raised in Wayne.  Daniel was one of four children to Daniel and Nellie Vander Kooy.  While living in Wayne, he attended high school at Eastern Christian School in Haledon.  Following his high school graduation, Daniel found employment with Bell Telephone, now known as AT&T.  After a few years working with NJ Bell, Daniel received the call to serve his country in the United States Army.  He was stationed in Germany while serving in the Army from 1957 until being honorably discharged in 1959.

Upon returning home from his service with the Army, Daniel resumed his position at NJ Bell and over the years worked his way up the corporate ladder to a Mid-Level Executive position.   His career with Bell/AT&T spanned a period of thirty-two years until his retirement in 1987.

As newlyweds, Daniel and Wilma lived for a short time in Little Falls, then in 1961 moved to Pompton Plains.  While living in Pompton Plains, they welcomed the births of both their sons, Kenneth and Glenn.  Daniel and Wilma raised their family in Pompton Plains and called it their home for the rest of their lives together. 

Daniel was an avid fisherman to put it mildly.  He treasured freshwater fishing at a variety of locations in New Jersey, his favorite fishing hole being Round Valley Reservoir in Clinton Township.  He was a member of the Round Valley Trout Association (RVTA) for many years.

Daniel also had a passion for woodworking, in his workshop he also loved tinkering with electronics and old clocks, bringing forgotten gadgets back to life with his skillful hands. When he wasn’t immersed in his projects, Daniel could be found tending to his vibrant garden, where he nurtured an array of colorful flowers and fresh vegetables.  He always made sure that his front and back yards were meticulously manicured.

Aside from all of Daniel’s talents, hobbies, and interests. His greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Daniel than providing for and spending time with his family. He and his wife Wilma cherished sixty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage together.  He was not only devoted to his family, but also to his Christian Faith.

Daniel will be forever remembered as a loving husband, and truly devoted father, and grandfather.  He touched the lives of everyone around him and will be sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Daniel is survived by his wife Wilma Vander Kooy (nee Douma) of Pompton Plains, NJ, his two sons; Kenneth Vander Kooy of Hastings, NY, and Glenn Vander Kooy of Wayne, NJ, two grandchildren; Lauren Vander Kooy of Nutley, NJ, and Danielle Vander Kooy of Woodland Park, NJ.  He was predeceased by his brother Edo Vander Kooy, and his two sisters Ruth and Jennie.