Royal Stephen Blumenthal

Roy, 84, of River Vale died peacefully on January 10, 2023 in Englewood Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on February 25, 1938 in New Brunswick and grew up in Passaic graduating from Passaic High School in 1956. He completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania with additional studies at the University of Michigan. Roy was a US Army veteran who honorably and proudly served his nation from 1961-1963.

After completing his military service, Roy began his career as a municipal administrator. After a stint in Florida, he eventually became the Business Administrator for the Township of River Vale. He steadfastly ran the township through 7 different mayors and is recognized as having held this post longer than any other business administrator in the State of New Jersey. Roy ran his office with fairness and honesty. He was revered by his co-workers and peers for his integrity, ethics, loyalty and productivity. He retired in 2003.

Roy’s professional accomplishments were not just limited to the Pascack Valley area. His leadership skills became apparent when he and David Grubb (an attorney) took the lead in forming the Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund (MEL-JIF). This organization has proven beneficial to 500+ municipalities across New Jersey as it saved local governments tens of millions of dollars in premium costs. For this ground-breaking work, Roy received numerous state awards and recognitions. Roy later served as the second president of the MEL-JIF.

In 1971, Roy became interested in Rotary International and joined the River Vale-Old Tappan Rotary Club. He later joined the Pascack Valley Rotary Club and remained a member of this club until his death. Over the years, Roy has held many leadership positions serving as club president, vice president, treasurer and committee chairperson. He was involved with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RLYA) in Rotary District 7490 since its inception and up until a few years ago, he helped with the selection of RYLA candidates each year. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Roy was the recipient of the 2012 Rotary International District 7490 Outstanding Vocational Service Award.

Besides his many professional accomplishments and Rotary Club activities, Roy joined the “Big Brother/Little Brother” program in the 1960’s. He remained a “Big Brother” up until 2018. As a “Big Brother,” Roy served as a much needed positive role model for many boys and brought a sense of direction into their lives. In 1965, along with one of his little brothers, Roy was interviewed by radio host Larry King on his show in Miami Beach.

In addition to his “Big Brother” role, Roy served numerous times as a moderator for the Academic Decathlon competition in local high schools, tutored the foreign born in English as a Second Language program (ESL), interviewed candidates for the University of Pennsylvania (his alma mater), and acted as a court-appointed guardian. In later years, he served his fellow residents as the president of the residents association of the Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale.

Among his other interests, Roy loved to travel. He travelled extensively in the US and abroad. His most recent trips took him to Egypt and Israel. Roy especially liked meeting with his German pen pal in Berlin on several occasions. He was particularly interested in the US presidency and set the goal of visiting as many birthplaces of US presidents as possible.

To look at Roy, you may have seen a modest, unassuming man. He dedicated his life to serving others and touched the lives of many. The more you go through all the awards and recognitions he received, you begin to understand what few people realize- just how remarkable a gentleman Roy was.

Roy is survived by his beloved cousins, Harriet Fine and her husband, Dr. H. Alan Fine, and their son, Florida State Representative Randy Fine, his wife Wendy and their sons, Jacob and David; Dr. Mathew Fink, his wife Michelle Adams and their children Mollie and Miles; best friend Dr. Paul Dobson, his wife Debbie and their children Mark, Greg and Tara and other cherished friends.

Predeceased by his loving parents, Reuben Blumenthal and Yetta Fine Blumenthal and a sister, Joan Blumenthal.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

A donation to your favorite charity is appreciated.

Funeral arrangements by Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, NJ