David P. Van Brunt

David Paul Van Brunt, 50, passed away on April 2, 2025, with family by his side at Serenity Hospice at RWJ Hamilton. Dave grew up in Cranford and was a graduate of Cranford High School, class of 1992. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Industrial Design. He lived in Pennington, and previously worked as an Information Technology Manager with Educational Testing Services in Princeton for 20 years. He served his IT profession as a Board Member and President of the national XyUser Group.
Dave took pleasure in cooking for friends and loved ones. He never used a recipe, but always developed a unique dish that would challenge any professional chef. His creative side drove his hobbies. Dave loved anything artistic. He painted, created songs, drew sketches, wrote poetry, and constantly played his guitar. Previously, he served on the worship team of his church, and went to local open-mike nights whenever possible to play in front of an audience. He owned so many guitars, family members struggle to come up with an accurate count!
Growing up, he followed in the footsteps of his Dad and displayed his athletic abilities as a member of Cranford's traveling soccer team, the Cranford Baseball League, and Cranford High School Wrestling. He was a passionate fan of the New York Rangers, and joined the Cranford Hockey Club around the age of eight when he could barely skate having wobbly ankles and numerous falls. Eventually he become an outstanding player and served as the captain of his team. Practices at 5 a.m. and traveling for games around the tri-state region were part of his normal routine during hockey season.
Dave was predeceased by his father, David J. Van Brunt, who died on February 23, 2025. He is survived by his sons Jack and Derek who he dearly loved, his mother, Nancy, his sister, Vanessa, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
A Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood on Friday, April 11th from 5¬–8 p.m. and on Saturday April 12th from 9–9:30 a.m. with a service following at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Cranford Hockey Club, Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, or Serenity Hospice Care at 56 Georgetown Road, Bordentown, NJ. 08505.