Donald Van Nostrand

Donald (Don) Van Nostrand, originally from Lawrence Harbor, and most recently from Oakhurst andTinton Falls, died peacefully at 78 with his family around him on July 19, 2026. Don graduated from Madison Township High School before attending Newark State College (Kean University) where he received a B.S. in History. He was the first in his family to attend college, which set him up for a successful career with the NJ Department of Corrections. First, serving as a parole officer in Jersey City and Red Bank and then completing his 40 year career as an Administrator of Policy and Planning in Trenton.

Don will be remembered for his smile, quick wit, and for being a "great guy" who was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, co-workers, friends, and community. He was an avid reader and crossword solver and enjoyed all types of word games, always finding a word associated pun for any occasion. He really enjoyed projects and tinkering and it always seemed like there was a list of something new to start. His favorite saying was, “If you’re going to do a job, do it right the first time.”

He married his college sweetheart, Judy, in 1969, and they were lovingly married for 57 years. After some adventures together as a couple, they had two sons, Aaron and Daniel. As a family man, Don coached baseball and soccer traveling all over the tri-state area for games and tournaments, loved family time at the beach especially bodysurfing when there were good waves, and was an adventurer at heart spending time with his family sailing, camping, and getting a rush on roller coasters. Don also enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren, Charlotte, Oliver, and Harry and watching them in their sports, academic, and musical endeavors.

Don is survived by his wife Judy Goldman Van Nostrand, his son Aaron Van Nostrand and daughter-in-law Batya Van Nostrand and their children Charlotte, Oliver, and Harry, and his son Daniel Van Nostrand and son-in-law Daniel McGhee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, now Fulfill, where Don spent time volunteering. Donations can be made in Donald's name at https://fulfillnj.org/tribute/

A Memorial Service will be held on July 30, 2026 at 10:00am at Bloomfield Cooper, 2130 Highway 35, Ocean Township, NJ 0771 followed by a reception from 11:30am to 2:30pm at Seabrook Village, 3000 Essex Rd, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753, Town Square Building Atrium - first floor 11:30-2:30

Please RSVP to [email protected]

by July 26, 2026