Hendrick "Rick" Van Lunen

Hendrick “Rick” Martin Van Lunen, age 68, of Long Beach Island passed Monday, May 27, 2024, beside his three sons, Matthew, Jacob, and Daniel, and his wife of 42 years, Cynthia.

Rick was born to Martha Van Der Eems Van Lunen and Martin Van Lunen at Paterson General Hospital on June 30, 1955. He Graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1973 and graduated NJIT with a degree in electrical engineering in 1977.

Rick met Cynthia “Cindy” Church in August of 1981 while their fathers shared a hospital room. They fell madly in love and were married on November 28, 1981. They welcomed their first son, Matthew into the world less than a year later on October 20, 1982. They were blessed with two more sons, Jacob, on October 2, 1985 and Daniel,  on June 11, 1989. They enjoyed 42 years of wedded bliss. They raised their children in Packanack Lake before moving to Long Beach Island once their sons had all graduated high school. Their love for each other always burned bright for the world to see. They provided for each other with every ounce of their beings and always put the other before all things. Their relationship was the truest example of love.

Rick was a father and grandfather. Not just by definition, but in all ways. He was present, kind, engaged, calm, and wise. He would carry his sons on long hikes, take them canoeing, and, most importantly, talk to them and always know them well. His three daughter-in-laws, Eri, Tara, and Susan considered him a father figure. His three granddaughters, Zoe, Stella, and Luna were his greatest joy.

Rick was a successful engineer and salesman, but his greatest and most important work was philanthropic. Rick was a man of deep faith who served both as an Elder and Deacon at Preakness Reformed Church and was a principal benefactor of the church’s renovation. Rick served on the board of directors for the chapel at Warwick, New York and was a principal benefactor of its construction. Rick spent two Summers helping to rebuild a school for girls in Chiapas, Mexico. Rick would often spend Saturdays doing electrical work for Habitat for Humanity in Paterson. As he achieved great success in his professional life he always countered with greater generosity to the world. He was mightily and joyously benevolent.

Rick loved fellowship and would often be hosting multiple families of friends in his home at the same time. Days on the beach would be followed by huge meals and adventures for ice cream late at night.

Rick saw beauty in the world. He loved nature in all its forms. He would go hiking with his family every Sunday after church. He loved boating and fishing, he could dock a boat with just inches of spare room. He managed a bait and boat rental shop on the docks in Long Beach Island in his retirement. He was a strategist who loved complicated problems. He would complete solitaire consistently in under a minute and loved solving the hardest sudoku puzzles.

More than anything, Rick was kind, honest, and just. He was a source of great wisdom to all that were lucky enough to know him well. The world is a better place because he was a part of it.

And what does The Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God - Micah 6:8

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Rick’s name are asked to consider a gift to:

River Discovery

PO Box 8336

Boise, ID 83707

To donate by phone please call (208) 303-0040

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Hendrick “Rick” Van Lunen. 

River Discovery offers adventures for cancer survivors that promote healing and strengthening of the mind, body and spirit.