Peter Mierop

Peter Mierop, age 87, of North Haledon, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

He was born to Jacob and Elizabeth Mierop at the family home in Clifton. He was raised in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1955.

Pete began his working life early, delivering the Herald & News newspaper as a paperboy in Clifton. As he grew older, he took a job in the produce department of the Grand Union grocery store in town, where he developed a strong work ethic and a knack for customer service. Pete later transitioned into the trucking industry, working as a driver for Oppelaar & Meyer Trucking in Kearny, transporting goods with reliability and care. He went on to become a route man for the Frito-Lay Corporation in Little Falls, where he built lasting relationships with his clients. Eventually, Pete finished his career proudly serving Bergen and Passaic Counties as a trusted route man for Pepperidge Farm, known for his dedication, friendly demeanor, and commitment to doing the job right.

Pete’s life was a living testament to his deep faith and unwavering devotion to the Lord. A lifelong member of Hope Reformed Church in Clifton, he poured his heart into the church community that he loved so dearly. Over the years, Pete served in countless roles — as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Group leader, and Prayer Group leader — always leading with humility, kindness, and a servant’s heart. His quiet strength, compassionate guidance, and steadfast spirit left a lasting imprint on everyone he met. Pete didn’t just talk about his faith; he lived it daily, offering an enduring example of what it meant to walk closely with God.

Pete was a man whose deep faith shaped every part of his life. Outgoing, kind-hearted, and full of genuine warmth, he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. If there was a job to be done or someone who needed help, Pete never hesitated — he simply jumped in without a second thought.

Pete met the love of his life, Karen Meyer, while working for her father at Opelaar & Meyer Trucking in Kearny. Their connection quickly grew into a deep and lasting love, and they were married on September 28, 1963, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Paterson. After their wedding, they set off for their honeymoon in Florida, driving Pete’s beloved 1959 white convertible Pontiac. Over the years, Pete and Karen built a strong, devoted marriage filled with love, laughter, and faith, celebrating sixty-one wonderful years together. Their life together was richly blessed with two daughters, Kimberly and Wendy, who were the joy of their hearts.

At home, Pete was like a real-life Dr. Dolittle, happily caring for a lively menagerie of pets. Over the years, he and his family shared their home with their beloved terrier, Muffin, as well as three cats, rabbits, fish, hamsters, a chameleon, and even a gerbil. Pete had a natural way with animals, showing them the same kindness, patience, and gentle spirit that he offered to everyone in his life.

Pete was the loving husband of sixty-one years to Karen (nee Meyer) Mierop; devoted father of Kimberly Veinberg and her husband Dima of North Haledon and Wendy DeWall and her husband Stephen of Newtown Square, PA; cherished grandfather of Anya Veinberg, Peter DeWall, Nathan DeWall, Elise DeWall, and Anna DeWall; and loving brother of Elizabeth Kranik, Bertha Bassani, and Jacob Mierop.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Pete’s memory may be made to: Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, 297 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne.