Mirvin VanRiper
Died: Jul 31, 2015
Mirvin Van Riper, 86, a lifelong resident of Towaco, passed away on July 31st, a quarter of a mile from where he first arrived in this life. He witnessed the transformation of the area from rural farm country during his childhood to the suburban area it is today.
'Mirv' spent his boyhood working on local farms and hunting and fishing the fields, woods and streams of the valley below Waughaw Mountain. He was a lifelong hunter and angler. Over many years, he was a well-regarded part-time resident of the old Boonton Reservoir bridge, fishing and trading stories with other anglers there.
He completed technical training as an electrician and worked for Andy's Electric Service in Lake Hiawatha for 25 years. He then became an independent construction contractor.
Mirvin was an avid gardener who tended several plots at the public gardens in Montville. He often acted as a mentor and teacher to novice gardeners and was respected for his knowledge. He also shared the bounty from his gardens with others.
Mirvin was predeceased by his mother, Florence Van Riper, father Mirvin Van Riper Sr., and sister Jeannette Van Riper, all of Towaco, and Daughter Dawn Flynn of Mansfield, NJ. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years Joan Van Riper of Towaco, brother Thomas Van Riper of Rockaway, NJ, son Robert Van Riper of Temple, Maine, daughter Cindy Wallace and husband Neal of Denver, Colorado, and son-in-law Patrick Flynn of Mansfield; six grandchildren: Joseph Flynn and wife Justine of Passaic, NJ, Carrie Cain and husband Ron of Hackettstown, NJ, Amy Flynn of Mansfield, NJ, Katie Van Riper of Park City, Utah, Ben Wallace and fiancé Kiley Clippinger of Denver, Colorado and Victoria Wallace of Denver, Colorado; four great grandchildren: Jayme Cain, Hannah Flynn, Tyler Cain and Amelia Cain, all of Hackettstown, NJ. He also leaves behind his good friends and neighbors Glen and Jyl Marsnick and family of Towaco.
After Services at Cochran funeral home in Hackettstown, he will be laid to rest in Pequest Cemetery in Independence Twp, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Compassionate Care Hospice at Saint Clare's Hospital in Dover. Viewing hours will be on Monday, 8-3-15 at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840 from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, 11AM at the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be given at www.cochranfuneral.com
Condolences:
Sheila, Mike, & Michael Luterzo
#3
August 4th, 2015 10:42 am
Our prayers, thoughts,and love are with you. Mirv will always be remembered as a loving kind cousin and will be missed.
Ken & Laura Wilson
#2
August 2nd, 2015 1:56 pm
Dear Joan, Tom & Family,
Our heart goes out to you in this time of need. Mirv was a good man and I will always remember his help at the gardens. You have our deepest and sincere sympathy.
Ken & Laura
Walter Bringsauf
#1
August 1st, 2015 9:29 pm
My condolences on the passing of Mirvin. He was a good neighbor for the 53 years I've lived on Forest Place.
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