Edward Michael Geerlof

Edward Michael Geerlof, 83, of Toms River, and former long-time resident of Bogota, NJ, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Hoboken, NJ on September 29, 1940, to the late Robert and Carmela Geerlof. He was affectionately known as Eddie to those he knew and touched.

Eddie is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Geraldine (Gerry) Geerlof (née Branda) and his cherished children; Robert Geerlof, Deneen Marie Perez, Laura Figueroa and Edward Geerlof, Jr. and dear father-in-law to Sharon Geerlof, John Figueroa and Laura Geerlof. Eddie was the proudest grandpa to 12 treasured grandchildren Robert, Nicholas, Victoria, Joseph, Nina, Ryan, Vanessa, Olivia, Eddie, Drew, John and Sophia.

He was the precious brother to the late Grace Doneman and husband Harry, Pauline Kiely and husband Eugene and Robert Geerlof. He was loved by his wife’s four sisters and two brothers, who he considered to be his own family, the Diomede, Tarantula, Pescatore, Broderick and Branda families. Eddie was beloved by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.

Eddie proudly served as a clerk in the United States Army from 1959-1962 at the DMZ in Korea. Upon his return from service, he worked 37 years at United Parcel Service as a Shop Steward in Secaucus, NJ. During this time, Eddie worked the night shift at UPS and would then pull another shift at his family restaurants, Carmella’s and La Piccola. Never one to rest, if he was not at UPS or the restaurants, he could be found working on projects at his home, his children’s homes or any family or friend that was in need.

After his retirement in 2002, Eddie and Gerry retired to their home in Toms River, NJ, where his children and grandchildren could gather to make lasting memories. On summer days, he could be found cleaning crabs, skimming the pool or picking figs from his precious tree! He would spend hours in the garage, frying chicken tenders, fries and zeppole’s with his sons for his grandchildren, then cleaning up the kitchen with his daughters to Gerry’s standards! Eddie loved his reclining chair in the living room, watching Jeopardy, Wheel-of-Fortune, Family Feud, the Nets and Yankees.

Eddie’s love of horses and hands, both the symbols of strength and power, were a true representation of his character. Eddie was the definition of selflessness. If there was a need, he was there, no questions asked. His kind heart, loving spirit, compassion and joy of life, will live through his family, friends and all those that he touched.

A visitation for Edward will be held Monday, August 12, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 2 Fremont Ave, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. A committal service will occur Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031.