- Date Of Birth: May 5, 1934
- Date Of Death: March 6, 2021
- State: New Jersey
Conrad Van Derveer, loving, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at home. Conrad was born on May 5, 1934, to John Patrick and Elizabeth Warrelman Van Derveer in New Brunswick, NJ.
He was educated at the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School and went on to become a master printer at several companies in the Central NJ area, eventually retiring as Plant Manager for Sanders & Hart in East Brunswick.
Conrad was, first and foremost, a family man. He married the love of his life, Edith Connors, on April 8, 1954. They shared 44 happy years together starting in New Brunswick, then East Brunswick. In 1982 they purchased “The Shack”, their weekend dream house, in Toms River. Countless family weekends were spent there. Many family gatherings and traditions took place down the shore. Conrad moved to Toms River permanently in 2004, a few years after Edith passed away.
A continuing interest for most of Conrad’s life was collecting and restoring antique clocks. A longtime member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NWACC) he spent many Sundays at clock shows. He was a mentor to many interested clock enthusiasts, including his son, David. He also spent many hours doing both lapidary work and silversmithing. As a handyman he was unmatched. Many weekends were spent searching for treasures at garage sales and flea markets.
Conrad was a courageous, tenacious fighter. He overcame several difficult obstacles throughout his lifetime which he handled with his trademark quiet grace and grit. His resolve to recover from a near-fatal car accident in 1986 was an example and inspiration to all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his wife, Edith Connors Van Derveer in 1998, his father, John Patrick Van Derveer, his mother, Elizabeth Warrelman Van Derveer, and his brother John Patrick Van Derveer, Jr.
He is survived by his son, David (Marion) of East Brunswick, and his daughter Katherine Cata (Vincent) of Jackson. He was a devoted “Pop-Pop” to his eight grandchildren: Daniel Van Derveer (Andrea), Joshua Van Derveer (Rachael), Shayna Richards (Ben), Myra Cata, Christopher Cata, Anna Cata, Stella Serpa, and Kevin Serpa. He was a devoted great-grandfather of six girls: Ally Lugo, Talia, Penelope, Abby, Emma, and Charlotte Van Derveer. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Van Derveer (Helen), his sister-in-law, Linda Van Derveer, and their families.
