Dirk Van Emburgh

Dirk Van Emburgh, 81, a proud twelfth-generation resident of Ridgewood, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Dirk was known for his larger-than-life personality, infectious laughter, and the warmth he brought to every room. Whether at home or traveling the world, Dirk had a remarkable way of connecting with people-there always seemed to be someone, somewhere, who knew him.

Born in Hackensack to Clarence C. "Sonny" Van Emburgh Jr. and Martha "Mar Mar" Lockwood, Dirk graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1962 and Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio in 1966, affectionately referring to it as "The Harvard of the Midwest." He was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and the Holland Society of New York.

Dirk dedicated his life to serving others through his work as President and CEO of C.C.VanEmburgh Funeral Home, a role he held since 1971. He was deeply honored to see the family business enter its fifth generation, continuing a legacy that spans over 130 years.

His professional contributions included serving as past president of the Bergen County Funeral Directors' Association and as a longtime member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors' Association. For two decades, he chaired the association's state convention golf tournament, blending his love of service with his passion for the game.

An avid golfer, Dirk was a member of Ridgewood Country Club since 1971, where he also served as a director from 1991-1995. He was active in the New Jersey State Golf Association, serving on its Executive Board and as a tournament official, and was a former member of the NJ Seniors Golf Association. Having played more than 600 golf courses around the globe, Dirk found particular joy in sharing his enthusiasm of golf trips to Scotland and Ireland with friends and family who would listen.

Dirk is survived by his devoted wife, Laura Paino Van Emburgh; his children, Beth Van Emburgh, Dirk Van Emburgh Jr., and Peter Van Emburgh (Amanda); his stepchildren Heather Herrmann (Mark Moeller) and Robert Herrmann; and his cherished grandchildren: Christina, Emily, and Julia Olkowski, Griffin and Bennett Van Emburgh, and Kayden Moeller. He had many nieces and nephews who he absolutely adored. He is also survived by his sisters, Marcy Sigler and Gretchen Van Emburgh. He was predeceased by his brother Peter in 1974.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him; remembered for the unmistakable sound of his loud cackle, the joy that radiated from his heart, and the way he made every gathering feel like a celebration. His presence was a gift, and his memory will continue to bring smiles, stories, and warmth for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the New Jersey Golf Caddie Scholarship Foundation, honoring Dirk's lifelong love of the game and his commitment to supporting future generations.