Jim Vander PlaatFuneral Director, NJ LIC #3166
Each of the staff members at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal end-of-life care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.
When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.
Please take a few minutes to get to know our funeral home staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.
Jim Vander Plaat
Funeral Director, NJ LIC #3166
Email: jim@vpmemorial.com
James Vander Plaat was born in 1951 to William and Wilma Vander Plaat.
He is Fourth Generation of Vander Plaat Funeral Professionals and has been in funeral service for the past 35 years.
A graduate of Eastern Christian High School, Kings College of New York and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Jim has been a part of the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home since 1974.
Jim lived in North Haledon for over 20 years where he raised his family before moving to Hawthorne with his wife Virginia “Ginny”. He has two sons David and Nicholas, and four daughters; Kristin, Debra, Andrea and Marina.
Over the years he has been active in both his community and church. He has formerly been a member of the Haledon Emergency Ambulance Corp. and the Franklin Lakes Lions Club. He has also coached North Haledon girl’s softball and Eastern Christian junior basketball.
A former member of First Christian Reformed Church of Haledon, Jim is now a member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church in North Haledon where he has served as Finance Team Leader and past President of the Church.
Throughout the years, Jim has been extremely generous with his donations to numerous charities and organizations in the surrounding areas and is always ready to lend a hand. In 2010 he started hosting a “First Responders Beefsteak” for the local Police, Fire and Ambulance Squads. He felt that it was his way of saying an extra “Thank You” to all those who put their lives on the line for others.
Nicholas Vander Plaat
Manager, NJ LIC #4711
Email: nicholas@vpmemorial.com
Nicholas Vander Plaat was born in 1982 in Ridgewood New Jersey and is Jim’s son. He is Fifth Generation of Vander Plaat Funeral Professionals and has been in funeral service for the past six years.
Nick and his wife Kristen live in North Haledon with their daughter Samantha. They are both graduates of Eastern Christian High School. Nick received his Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Bergen County Community College and then graduated from the American Academy Institute of Mortuary Science in 2006.
Nick is a member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church in North Haledon and participates there playing Bass Guitar for the “Praise Band”. He is also active at Hawthorne Gospel Church with their Sunday night service and plays guitar for their band as well and many other Churches and Organizations. He is also an active member of the Franklin Lakes Rotary.
Nick is known for taking great pride in serving families with the utmost care and compassion possible in their time of need. There is not a time when he is called upon that he does not try his best to help others.
Denise Donnelly
Funeral Assistant
Email: Denise@vpmemorial.com
Denise was born in 1959 to Henry and Joan (nee Pezzano) Dellanno.
A graduate of St. Michael’s School in Paterson, Pope Paul VI High School in
Clifton and Felician College in Lodi, Denise has been a faithful employee of
the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home since 2000.
Denise has lived in North Haledon for over 30 years where she raised her family with her husband James “Jim” Donnelly. She has three children; Patrick, Katelyn and James Jr. “Jimmy”Donnelly. An enthusiastic “Dog Lover” she has two Jack Russell’s, Oliver and Lilly.
Over the years she has been an active member of her community. Serving as Treasurer and Vice-President of the North Haledon PTO and on the Board of the Municipal Alliance. She is a parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church
in Franklin Lakes.
Denise is known for her compassion and dedication when serving our families in their time of need. There is not a time when she is called upon that she is not willing or able to help in any way that she can to further serve our families.
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Betty Dykman of Wyckoff |
Jim Lodema of North Haledon |
Patricia DiLullo-Vogel of Hawthorne |