Dean E. Laumbach, 82, of Pompton Plains, NJ, formerly of West Milford and Smryna, Delaware, passed peacefully at home on April 11, 2024.
Dean was born in Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck to Harold Laumbach and Zella (Austin) Laumbach on November 3, 1941. He was the younget of 3. The family resided in Rochelle Park. Dean graduated Hackensack High School, received an Associates Degree from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from William Paterson College. Through the years he last lived in Elmwood Park, West Milford, Smyrna, Delaware, and Mount Arlington before moving to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.
In 1961, while studying at Seton Hall Dean met Ann and they started dating in 1962. They went on to marry in June 1965 at Queen of Peace church in North Arlington. Dean and Ann had a lot of love to give. They shared that love with 8 children, three daughters and five sons.
During his lifetime, Dean devoted his life to justice. Dean was a police officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for 25 years and was promoted up through the ranks to the title of Captain/Commanding Officer of LaGuardia Airport and The World Trade Center before retiring in 1985. After retiring from the Port Authority, he worked for GMSC overseeing the maintenance of the lighting and marble and metal for nine skyscrapers plus Rockefeller Center. He helped found the GMSC in New York City and was Vice President there. Even after retirement, his passion for public safety continued. He served on the Public Safety Committee for the Township of Smyrna, Delaware. He also volunteered his time with the Catholic church and was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
Dean was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Zella, his siblings Harold and Vera Armona. Dean is survived by wife Ann of 58 years, daughters Mary, Ann Marie Gualberto (Ralph) and Kathy Walton (Andy), son Dean (Kerri), Dave (Sue), Keith (Lisa), John, and Joe (Emily).
He also leaves behind his 13 grandchildren Corey and Jason Perez, Laurance, Bryan, Jessica, Gianna, Andrew, Joey, and Jack Laumbach, Joey, Allie, and Tommy Walton, and Jonathan Gosnell. He is survived by his sister-in-law Theresa McGivney, brother-in-law Jack Armona and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
A 10 am Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Our Lady of Magnificat Church, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon
Interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery, 980 Huron Road, Franklin Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dean's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.