Halil Ersin Sunar

Hal Sunar (70) passed away suddenly at home in Montville, New Jersey, on March 30, 2023. Hal's family and friends are devastated by his untimely death. Hal was a gregarious, loving, and generous man with a golden heart. His passing has left a void in the many lives he touched.
Hal was born in Ankara, Turkey, on September 13, 1952. As a teenager, Hal loved American culture (and cars) and dreamed of moving to the States, which he did in 1972. Before settling in Brooklyn, NY, Hal stayed with his "abi" Alpaslan Akpinar in San Francisco. Hal studied English at Columbia University before earning a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1978. Brooklyn was good to Hal, as it was where he met the love of his life, Patricia Roche, a/k/a Patrushka, a/k/a Pakize, in 1992. Hal married Patty in 1993. They raised two amazing daughters, Devin, and Samantha. Hal was a loving and doting father, always protective of his girls.
Hal was a "foodie" and entertainer who showered his family and friends with love by cooking sumptuous Mediterranean feasts. Guests were treated to his gastronomic delights and his animated storytelling punctuated with history lessons. Hal traveled extensively for work and spent many years on overseas assignments in London, Turkey, and the Middle East.
Hal is survived by his wife Patty, daughters Devin and Samantha, Mother Ayten, and father-in-law Joe Roche. Hal is preceded in death by his father, Cihat, and mother-in-law, Nellie.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, April 3, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. Father Timothy P. Dowling will oversee the Celebration of Life service on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10am. Immediately following, Hal will be put to final rest at Maryrest Mausoleum in Mahwah, NJ.
RIP.
In lieu of flowers, the Sunar family is requesting donations be made for the continued earthquake relief efforts to The Turkish Red Crescent. https://www.kizilay.org.tr/