Richard J. Van Auken

Richard J. Van Auken, 73, of Green Township, died peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 9, 2010. "Dick" was born on June 11, 1937, in Swartswood and moved to Green Township as a young boy. He grew up on the family dairy farm and continued farming until 1976. Upon retiring from farming, Dick was employed at Ja-Bar Silicone in Andover until his death. He enjoyed and took great pride in his work. A 1956 graduate of Newton High School, Dick was a National Vice President for Future Farmers of America, President of Lackawanna Little League for many years, a former member of the Green Township Board of Education, a member of the Tranquility United Methodist Church, where he was active in their Young Adult Group, and, most of all, he was the best sideline support for all his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener and horse lover. He and his wife enjoyed many camping adventures in their RV, often taking friends and grandchildren along with them. Their favorite places to travel were to the Amish Country in Lancaster, PA, and Myrtle Beach, SC. The son of the late Leon and Emma Van Auken, Dick was predeceased by his brother, Jack, and his sister, Shirley Savacool. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanie; his daughters, Debbie Palazzi and her husband, Lou, of Newfoundland, PA, Donna Brucker and her husband, Bill, of Blairstown, and Dawn Van Auken of Hampton Township; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Jenn, Richard, Gina, Katie, Danielle, and Carly; his sister, Betty Westra of Green Township; and his brother, Charles Van Auken and his wife, Betty, of Florida. He will be sadly missed by his horses, Kirby and Rusty. The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Dr. Joseph Casella, Dr. Walter Grote, and the staff at Bristol Glen. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Tranquility United Methodist Church in Green Township. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Allamuchy/Green Rescue Squad, 25 Maple Avenue, Andover, NJ 07821 or Foundation of UMDNJ-James Parkinson's Fund, 120 Albany Street, Suite 850, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-9888 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 532 Lafayette Road, Sparta, NJ 07871.