Peter Dooyes

Peter Marinus Dooyes, age 72, of Wayne, passed away on Sunday morning, April 21, 2019 at his home.

Peter was born in Rotterdam in The Netherlands. At the age of nine, his parents, Walter and Wilhelmina, decided more opportunity awaited in the United States so Peter suddenly found himself in new surroundings. They settled in Paterson where Peter eventually graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1965. Education continued at Columbia University for one year before Peter transferred to Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science. Soon after college Peter had been living in Fairfield.

After college, Peter immediately landed a position in social work. He enjoyed a long career spanning thirty-nine years as a social worker with the Passaic County Board of Social Services in Paterson and Passaic, retiring in 2008. It was at work that Peter met his wife Janet. They married on 11/20/1988 with the ceremony and reception taking place at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. After marriage, Peter and Janet moved to the Pines Lake section of Wayne.

Peter loved living in Pines Lake as it afforded him the opportunity to enjoy his most favorite pastime – fishing. There was never a time when everything seemed all right with the world like the times he was in his boat on Pines Lake with a small trolling motor moving the boat along as he waited, fishing line cast, for that big pike or bass to strike. Sometimes he was fishing alone but oftentimes he enjoyed sharing his passion with friends. Peter loved the outdoors in general, so much time was also enjoyed working in his yard, keeping the grass manicured, the flowers blooming, most importantly tulips, and tending to his precious Koi fish which lived in a pond that he built himself. Evenings were often spent reading history books. Peter was such a lover of history that he often took notes from the books that he read. His favorite subjects were wars, war ships and war planes.

Above all else, Peter’s family was most important. He and his sons Jeff and Zach often enjoyed watching the Mets and Giants games on television together. Sports were always a big part of his sons lives and Peter loved being there for all of Jeff’s games and Zach’s football games at Wayne Hills High School. Food has always been a good excuse to gather family and friends and, with Peter being such an excellent cook, his family was always happy and eager recipients of his culinary skills. Family favorites included Peter’s beef stew, soups and Rouladen – a German steak wrapped in bacon with mustard and pickles. Of course, being of Dutch descent, Peter also found herring to be absolutely delicious! The rest of his family did not share this love with him.

Peter will always be remembered for his quiet, loving demeanor. He chose to live life simply and honestly, valuing a life of service to the less fortunate over the material trappings that so often are chosen. Friends and neighbors could always find him at the Twin Elm Deli, right in his neighborhood, for his morning coffee.

Peter was the loving father of Zachary and wife Jessica Dooyes of Riverdale, and Jeff and wife Ashley Campeas of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Mason, Makayla, and Maya. He is also survived by his former wife Janet Dwyer of Pompton Lakes and his cousin Froukje “Florence” and her husband Jan “John” of West Milford.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Peter’s name are asked to consider the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, or online at www.lbda.org