in_memoriam

The Metro Region regretfully announces the passing of longtime member, and friend, STEPHEN WOLFF, JR. on Monday, April 4, 2011. Our deepest condolences to the entire Wolff family.

Stephen J. Wolff, Jr., age 81 of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2011 at the Mountainside Hospital in Montclair.

Stephen was born in Montclair and had moved to Wayne in 1959.

He graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Biology in 1951 and the St. Louis School of Pharmacy with a degree in Pharmacy in 1958. He began his career as a chemist with Hoffman-LaRoche and retired from Givaudan in 1994.

Stephen was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. After joining in 1952, he was assigned to the USS Higbee during the Korean War and later served on the USS Thaddeus Parker as a Navigator and Executive Officer. He achieved the rank of Commander in 1966, the rank of Captain in the Naval Reserve in 1973, and retired honorably in 1989. He remained involved with the Navy League and was proud of his service with the Navy.

For more than thirty years, Stephen was involved with Protestant Community Centers, Inc. (PCCI) of Newark, NJ. He selflessly gave of himself in an effort to better the lives of those less fortunate. With a passion for cars, he restored a 1941 Packard and loved to enter it classic car shows. He also loved his model trains, steam locomotives and almost anything that had to do with the outdoors. He was a member of the Dartmouth Outdoor Club since attending college and as a matter of fact, he brought his wife Phoebe to one of the primitive Dartmouth cabins in the deep woods of New Hampshire for their honeymoon. She wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic about that as he was, but none the less they enjoyed a loving marriage of fifty five years together before her passing in 2007.

He was also involved with the Morris Canal Society, the Retiree’s Club of Givaudan, and the Society of Cosmetics International. Stephens ‘other love’ was his home on Culver’s Lake in Sussex County. This home has been in his family for generations and he would go there almost weekly, every chance he got. He liked to go sailing, canoeing, or just relax near the water.

Stephen is survived by his three loving children; Stephen W. and his wife Elsa of Morrison, CO, Christine Wolff of Aurora, CO, and Leslie Wolff and her husband Paul Fortney of Alpharetta, GA; one sister, Johanna Maloney of Elberta, AL, and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Phoebe in 2007.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 10, 2011.

text courtesy of Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home

The Metro Region regretfully announces the passing of longtime member, and friend, SONJA PRATT on Friday, October 23, 2009. Our deepest condolences to Roger - her husband of 67 years - and the entire Pratt family.

Sonja Pratt of Harding Township passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at home under hospice care. She was 91 years old. A memorial service for Sonja was held on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.

Born in Kobenhaven, Denmark, Sonja lived in Chatham before moving to Harding Township 50 years ago. After graduating from the High School of Fine Arts, she went to art school in New York City. During World War II, she worked on Ellis Island with the children and performed social service tasks. Later, she was a supervisor for New Jersey Bell. Sonja was a highly creative and accomplished artist, but was best known as a loving wife and homemaker. She was secretary of the Antique Auto Club and a member of the Classic Car Club, as well as Women's Club of Chatham, the Art Club and the Garden Club, all of Chatham.

Sonja is survived by her husband of 67 years, Roger Pratt; their daughter, (Barbarasue) Sue Schmidt and her husband, Robert, and her three grandchildren, Laura Jane Schmidt of Long Island, N.Y., Erik Jon Pratt Schmidt of Oregon, and Peter Kyle Pratt Schmidt, at home.

- courtesy of the Newark Star-Ledger

IN MEMORY OF ROBERT SKOP

The Metro Region regretfully announces the passing of longtime member, and friend, BOB SKOP on July 1. Our deepest condolences to Bob's wife, Oksana, and the entire Skop family.

Robert John Skop, 68, of Fanwood died Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in Runnells Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights. A Memorial Mass was held at St. Bartholomew the Apostle R.C. Church, Scotch Plains, NJ on Wednesday, July 8. Arrangements are by Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood. For additional information or to express condolences, please visit www.fanwoodmemorial.com

Born and raised in Jersey City, Bob lived in Fanwood since 1975. He received his B.A. in history from Jersey City State College and his master's in educational administration from Seton Hall University. He was employed as a teacher and project coordinator for the Newark Board of Education for 33 years before retiring in 1996. An avid antique car collector, he was an active member of the Classic Car Club of America, the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Packard Automobile Club, Packards International, Eastern Packard Club, and Packards East. He was also a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and the Newark Teachers Union Retiree Chapter. Bob will be remembered for his love of music, conversation, and his passion and knowledge of Packard automobiles and horology. Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew him. "ASK THE MAN WHO OWNS A PACKARD."

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Oksana Walczyk Skop; his brother, Raymond; his niece, Wendy Razzoli, and his nephew, Raymond Skop. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Paula, and his brother, Roger.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Stroke Association, 1 Union Street, Suite 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

- courtesy of Stuart Blond

IN MEMORY OF ROBERT TURNQUIST

The Metro Region is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert Turnquist. A cornerstone of the antique car hobby, Bob was dedicated to the restoration & preservation of our fine vehicles. As you read in our Fall 2008 issue of the Metropolitan Skyline, Bob was also pivotal in the establishment of QQ Historic license plates in the State of New Jersey. His efforts for the hobby will live on for many more years to come.

Our deepest sympathies to his lovely wife, Sunny, and the entire Turnquist family. Services were held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.

Courtesy of Jim Donnelly at Hemmings Motor News

The hobby we all enjoy would have never sprouted and grown if a few smart people, including Bob Turnquist, hadn’t convinced others that really old cars weren’t simply junk. We take this moment to appreciate and salute Turnquist, one of the genuine trailblazers of collecting old cars, who died last Saturday (April 4, 2009) at age 82.

Turnquist was best known most recently as the proprietor and founder of Hibernia Auto Restorations in New Jersey, but he was much more. From that shop, he restored perhaps 120 historic Packards of premier concours quality (in addition to hundreds of other cars), and had long reigned as perhaps the world’s foremost authority on those automobiles. His book, The Packard Story, remains a definitive study. Moreover, he was one of the co-founders of the Classic Car Club of America in 1952, and helped to create today’s definition of the Full Classic car.

We at Hemmings have a personal connection with this wonderful, thoughtful man. In 2008, we asked Turnquist to share his knowledge by being the guest speaker at our New England Concours d’Elegance.

To view an archived video interview with Turnquist, click here.

Robert Eric Turnquist of Morris Twp, NJ died at Morristown Memorial Hospital on April 4, 2009 at the age of 82. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he has been a long-time resident of Morris Twp and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sunny.

Robert was President and owner of Hibernia Auto Restorations, Inc., a restoration facility restoring steam, electric and gas vehicles. He was instrumental in founding the Classic Car Club of America in 1952 and served as its President for 6 years. Packard was his choice to collect, restore and show at various events such as Pebble Beach, Meadowbrook, etc. He is the foremost authority on Packard cars and wrote his book “The Packard Story” and published many articles in various publications. His hobbies included collecting model cars, Packard literature, automotive and western art and rare trees from all over the world.

Robert is a life member of the Antique Auto Club of America, the Classic Car Club of America and serves on the advisory Board of America's Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio where he was given the Robert & Sonia Turnquist Packard Library. He and his wife were instrumental in funding the building of a replica Shell Station at the Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan and also donated the Robert & Sonia Turnquist Photo Gallery.

Robert participated in the writing of the N. J. Historic License Plate law for the DMV in 1963 which was unanimously passed by the Assembly. He received the prestigious Newkirk Award for community service from the Morris Museum of Arts Sciences in Morristown, N.J. where he served as a Trustee.

Graduate of Rutgers University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Robert served with the 11th Air Force, 404th Bomb Squadron in the Aleutians from 1945 to 1946.

A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Interment was private.

IN MEMORY OF ERNEST WAGNER

The Metro Region regrets to announce the passing of Ernest Ludwig Wagner, Jr.

Mr. Wagner, a Sea-Land executive, classic car enthusiast, of Madison, NJ, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, at University Hospital, Newark. A loving and devoted husband and father, he was known affectionately as Ernie to his family, friends, and business associates.

Mr. Wagner was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Roselle Park and Chatham, NJ, graduating from Chatham High School in 1956. He attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. graduating in 1961. Mr. Wagner began a lifelong career in the transportation industry with McLean Trucking Co. in Winston Salem, N.C. Following this, he returned to the Northeast, where he met and married the love of his life, Bunny Wagner, in 1966. He continued his career in the trucking industry before entering the ocean transport industry, joining Sea-Land Services, Inc. in 1972, later relocating to New England, where he served as regional sales manager for New England and Canada from 1982 to 1987. He subsequently returned to New Jersey, where he worked for the Atlanticargo Line of Star Shipping, Inc. before his retirement in 2005. Mr. Wagner was a member of the Morristown Presbyterian Church. During his career he was a member of the Westconn International Trade Association.

He loved old cars, working on his 1952 Jaguar, and was an active member of the Central Jersey Jag Lovers Group. As a past member, he served as a board member and treasurer of the Classic Car Club of America and belonged to the Buick Club of America. His other interests included golf, salt water fishing on Nantucket and the Jersey shore, fly
fishing in Maine and Vermont with friends, and refinishing furniture and antiquing with his wife. He also served as chairman of his 50th class reunion at Chatham High School.

Mr. Wagner is survived by his wife, Carol Ann “Bunny” Wagner, of Madison; his son, Cris, of Cambridge, Mass.; his sister, Suzanne Haley, of Myakka City, Fla., and his nephew, Louis, and two nieces, Cathy and Laura. A memorial service for Mr. Wagner was held on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Morristown Presbyterian Church. Donations may be made in his memory to The Citadel Alumni Association, Holiday Alumni Center, 171 Moultire St., Charleston, SC 29409-6130. Burial was private.

~ Obituary courtesy of The Citadel

IN MEMORY OF BEVERLY RAE KIMES

The Metro Region lost a dear friend, and the automotive hobby lost a historian of unparalleled proportion on Monday, May 12, 2008, with the passing of Bev Kimes.

As the Editor of Automobile Quarterly, the President of the Society of Automotive Historians, the voice of the Burn Prevention Concours, and the author of numerous books, Bev has enriched the hobby for many generations to come. Her passing leaves a void in the hobby and in the hearts of all who knew and admired her.

Our deepest condolences to her husband, Jim, and the Kimes and Cox families.

In memory of Beverly and in lieu of flowers, her husband wishes donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org where there is a “make a gift” form, or via FAX to 212-889-2310 (National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street NY , NY 10016).

A tribute from Angelo Van Bogart (Old Cars Weekly)

New York Time Obituary - NYT website - PDF

I've found two places on the web to leave your memories of Bev:

Angelo Van Bogart's tribute (Old Cars Weekly)

Jon Lee's thread on the AACA Message Forum

IN MEMORY OF BRUCE W. LANE, VoTech Assistant Principal

The Metro region regretfully announces the passing of member Bruce Lane. Bruce, 82, died September 16, 2007 at Harborside Healthcare in Bridgewater.

Born in Brooklyn, NY and formerly of Elmhurst, NY before moving to Bridgewater over 45 years ago, Bruce started his career working for various engineering sales companies. He then worked at Somerset Voc-Tech School in Bridgewater for over 36 years as a teacher, CIE coordinator and assistant principal retiring in 1985. He was a veteran of the US Navy SeaBees during WWII. He was a member of NJEA, CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) and the VFW Post 2290 in Manville. He enjoyed antique automobiles. Bruce was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Viola, and children Wesley Sr. and his girlfriend, Lolita Sanjonco, Cheryl Petit and her husband Bernie, and four grandchildren, Cory Petit, Danah Petit-Lombardi, Wesley Lane Jr., Christopher Lane.

Private entombment will be at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge. Memorial contributions can be made Deborah Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 820 Browns Mills, NJ 08015.

The entire Metro Region extends its deepest sympathies to Viola and the Lane family.

IN MEMORY OF ROLAND BERGER

Roland Berger passed away on November 1, 2006 after a very gallant fight with cancer. He was a wonderful supporter of the Classic Car Club and especially the Metro Region, owning several Full Classics® over the years. I remember meeting him and his lovely wife, Anita, for the first time at the Delaware Valley Region Grand Classic at Valley Forge in 2001. Bob and I were immediately impressed with his sincerity, warmth and enthusiasm for the hobby. We have since enjoyed his company immensely on the many occasions we have been together during car shows and Metro events. He leaves behind his wife, Anita, a son, two daughters and seven grandchildren. We are delighted Anita will be continuing her membership in the Metro Region and keeping two of the cars Roland loved so much, a 1941 Lincoln 12 Continental Coupe and a 1949 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (NC). Our most sincere sympathy is expressed to Anita, his family and friends. - by Grace Gluck

IN MEMORY OF BILL STUHLMAN

With deep sorrow, the Metro Region announces the passing of member BILL STUHLMAN, on Saturday, August 26, 2006. Bill passed away at the age of 88, after a lengthy illness. Bill was an enthusiastic supporter of the Metro Region, and we are deeply grateful for his fellowship.

A memorial service will be held at the Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main St.. Bedminster, NJ (just down from Willie's Tavern), on Thursday, August 31, 2006 from 6 - 8 PM. Layton's phone number is (908) 234-0766.

For more information you may contact Gary and Donna Hopwood at (908) 725-7180.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that Bill be remembered by donations to:

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

P.O. Box 3008

Princeton, NJ 08543-3008

Please note in the memo of the check, "In Memory of Bill Stuhlman". Bill was a founder of this organization and served as director for many years.

Our deepest condolences to the Stuhlman family.

Published in the Star-Ledger on 8/29/2006.

Frank Wilbur Bill Stuhlman: Attorney in NYC, Marine Corps colonel, 88, Distinguished Flying Cross recipient

Frank Wilbur Bill Stuhlman, 88, of Basking Ridge, an attorney and decorated Marine Corps officer, died on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown. Born in Hartford, Conn. on Oct. 10, 1917, a son of the late Frank and Faith Tryon Stuhlman, Mr. Stuhlman lived in Manhattan before moving to Basking Ridge 36 years ago. He was a 1939 graduate of Syracuse University, where he participated on the rowing team and placed second in the national finals. He graduated from the Yale University School of Law in 1947 after serving in the Marine Corps during World War II.

Mr. Stuhlman joined the Corps in 1941 and flew torpedo bombers as a pilot in the South Pacific. He also test-piloted the Grumman Tiger Cat. Mr. Stuhlman was recalled to service during the Korean War, when he flew Corsair fighters and jet fighters. After Korea, he remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, and was commanding officer of two jet fighter squadrons and a Marine Air Reserve Group at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. He remained active in the Marine Corps Reserve for 36 years, retiring as a full colonel in 1977. A highly decorated veteran, he was the recipient of many medals and commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Mr. Stuhlman's law career began after law school with the law firm of Kurlin, Campbell and Keating in New York City. He joined the law firm of Bigham, Englar, Jones and Houston in New York City in 1964 and practiced aviation and admiralty litigation before retiring in 1980. Colonel Stuhlman was a founding member of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for children of Marines who have been disabled or killed in the line of duty. He served as director for many years and later as a senior advisor.

He was a founding member of the Metropolitan Region of the Classic Car Club, an artist who specialized in oil painting and an antiques enthusiast.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marinetta Potter Stuhlman, in 2000. Mr. Stuhlman is survived by a daughter, Heather C. Stuhlman of Great Meadows, and two sisters, Ruth Spencer of Maine and Midge Wolmer of Connecticut.

IN MEMORY OF RICHARD "DICK" RILEY

With deep sorrow we must announce the passing of Metro member DICK RILEY. Our deepest condolences to the Riley family.

Dick passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2006, at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge as a result of a massive stroke. He was the son of the late Luke and Elizabeth Riley of Orange and the brother of Paul Riley, who died earlier this year, beloved husband of Frances (Behring), his faithful wife for 53 years, dear father of Walter Riley of Glen Ridge and Patricia E. Riley (and her husband, Steven Weinstein) of Summit, proud grandfather of Michael, Kristen, Katelyn and Eric.

Dick was a longtime leader in the trucking industry, who started, bought and sold many trucking companies in the past 50 years. He was president of Seigle's Express of Kearny, which he sold in 1980 to G.O.D. Inc.

An avid antique car and truck collector, he won many awards, belonged to several antique auto and truck clubs and traveled the country that he loved extensively. He was also known as an international traveler, who along with his wife, Frances, visited six continents and made friends all over the world. Dick was a loyal friend to many, a father figure to Randy Pearce, Esq., a role model to many friends and a loving guide to his family.

Courtesy of the Newark Star Ledger

IN MEMORY OF KEVIN GAFFNEY

It is with deep sorrow that we must recognize the passing of Metro member KEVIN GAFFNEY.

Kevin Michael Gaffney, 52, died Friday (March 31, 2006) at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield after a serious illness. Born in Jersey City, he lived in Fanwood before moving to North Plainfield in 1978.

Kevin, a master carpenter, was the owner of KMG Construction Corp. He had previously worked for the Carpenter's Local No. 155.

A classic car enthusiast, he belonged to the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Eastern Packard Club and the Metro Classic Car Club. He specialized in the woodwork restoration of antique automobiles.

He is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Melissa Kroll Gaffney; two sons, Daniel and Matthew; a daughter, Kelly Gaffney; his mother, Irene Meara Gaffney; three sisters, Mary Anne Gaffney, Patty Gaffney and Eileen Faede; and a granddaughter, Amerie Meza. He was predeceased by his father, Edward, who died Oct. 7, 2005. He also leaves a large and loving extended family including his father-in-law, Robert Kroll; mother-in-law, Alma Knappenberger; five brothers and sister-in-law; as well as nine nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held on Monday, April 3. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for the creation of a scholarship fund for his granddaughter.

Courtesy of the Courier-News (www.c-n.com)

IN MEMORY OF ROY CROSS

It is with deep sadness that we must recognize the passing of Metro member ROY CROSS. Roy passed away at home on March 1, 2006, at the age of 75.

Roy was deputy chief of the Westfield Fire Department for many years before retiring. He joined the department in 1961, and was promoted to lieutenant and captain before becoming the deputy chief in 1972.

He started his firefighting career as a 14-year-old volunteer at the Stelton Firehouse in Piscataway. An instructor for several New Jersey and New York fire schools, he was appointed to the teaching staff of the New Jersey Fire College in 1968 and became an associate dean in 1972.

Roy was a member of board of directors of the New Jersey Fire Engine & Equipment Museum. He was a speaker at the dedication of the Union County Fire Services Academy and the only deputy chief to serve as president of the Union County Fire Chiefs Association.

He also worked in the family landscaping business with his father, the late Ben Cross, and spent more than 40 years as head of his own firm, Building Gardens in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and West Virginia.

After retiring in 1986, he was a fire apparatus salesman. In the course of more than 20 years with Fire and Safety Services of Piscataway, he sold more than 150 Pierce fire trucks to fire companies in Northern Jersey and Union County.

In 1996, the Pierce Company of Appleton, Wisc., awarded him the John K. Finlay Professional Salesman Award.

Born in Piscataway, he lived in Westfield and Clark before moving to Monroe Township.

Courtesy of the Newark Star-Ledger

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