Albert Van Kleeff

In Memory of Albert Van Kleeff

June 5, 1931-January 17, 2026

Albert Van Kleeff, a devoted father, grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 with family by his side.

Born on June 5, 1931, in Paterson, NJ, to Jan (John) and Anne, Al was the youngest of 3 children and truly the baby of the family, with his older siblings being much older than he. He was proud of his older brother Johnny being on a US Navy mine sweeper in the Pacific Theater during WWII and loved his older sister Nellie, who always watched over Al along with his parents. Their home in Pompton Lakes was often filled with laughter, with neighbors, family, and friends often stopping in for impromptu gatherings over the ever-present cups of tea. Al remembered well a racing kayak his father gifted to him and a bicycle his Mom won him for $0.25-both precious to Al during the Depression and early years of war.

Once old enough and finished with school, Al enlisted in the Navy Reserves. He served two years in the SeaBees before then enlisting in the Army. After training at Fort Jackson, he was shipped out to be stationed in Japan (where he got his famous $5 Eagle tattoo) and ultimately served in the Korean War. He often spoke of his time in Japan and Korea with fierce pride, fond memories of army life and brothers in arms, but kept most of the stories about his times along the DMZ sealed up tight.

Once back in the States, Al went to the New Jersey State Police Academy. Upon graduation, he worked undercover for the division of Alcoholic

Beverage Control (ABC).Eventually, Al worked for Allstate as an insurance adjuster until his retirement. It was during his time in the ABC that he met the love of his life, Patricia (nee Wallner), through a blind date set up by his best friend, Doug Borchard. Patricia was the roommate of Doug's sister while at the nursing school of St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, NJ. They were married two years later in February of 1960, and Doug was their best man.

Al and Patricia started out in Oakland and Riverdale, NJ, adding 4 children to their growing family, before settling in Pequannock, NJ, where the 5th child, a daughter, was born. It was here in Pequannock where they raised their five children. Over the years, there were many family camping trips to Myrtle Beach and the Northeast seaboard, particularly Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard- for which they discovered a particular fondness- and where many family and friends arrived to set up camp as well each year.

The family was even there for the filming of the movie, Jaws. The young family also famously travelled across the country for a month during the Bicentennial summer with all 7 in a Mini Midas Camper. Ultimately, Al and Patricia retired to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they spent nearly 30 years puttering all around the beautiful seascapes the Cape had to offer. In their retirement, Al and Pat also enjoyed traveling together, with trips to Europe to visit their ancestral roots in Ireland, Holland, and Germany, or visiting with family and the growing number of grandchildren to love.

Al enjoyed painting, just as his Dad had, and tinkering around the yard and in the basement. He was also an avid fan of old Westerns on TV and the various Christmas Carol movies. He loved Christmastime and collecting Santas, often resembling the old elf himself when allowing his beard to grow in fully. He volunteered his time for the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands Crisis Line. But he loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved, especially their grandchildren and pets. As proof of such love-those that knew him knew that his bedroom was full of frames holding cherished family and wedding photos.

Al will always be remembered for his love of family. He may not always have known how to show it, typical of some of his generation. But there was no denying that love in his constant worrying over all of us. You'd hear it in the phrases of, "...Don't forget to call when you get there", or "...I'll add so and so to my prayers tonight". He'd worry himself silly if he knew one of us was out driving and it was snowing/raining/sunny. Al would never forget to call family before a trip, or the start of the school year, or just a call to check in. Really, all he wanted was just to spend some time together and share a cup of tea-or something a little stronger on occasion.

Al is predeceased by his parents Jan (John) and Annie (nee McFadden) Van Kleeff; his sister Cornelia and her husband Christopher Hartman; his brother John Van Kleeff and his wife Elizabeth; and his granddaughter of 4 years, Kelsey Rose Shenton. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Patricia (nee Wallner) Van Kleeff; his children: Kerry Somers (Robert), Albert Van Kleeff (Jeanne), John Van Kleeff (Michelle), Kimberly Rogers (Jonathon), Kara Shenton (Brian); his grandchildren: Matthew, Mitchell, Jack, Lauren, John Jr. (Sarah), Christian (fiancée Courtney), Luke, Hannah (Caleb), Sean, Kayla, Tyler, and Brandon, as well as many more friends and family.

Al will be deeply missed and remembered with much love.

Cremation will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date, with internment at Mount Cavalry Cemetery in Butler, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands at https://capesamaritans.org/donate/ Or VFW