Ex-Montclair School Board Employee, ‘Master Craftsman,’ Dies At 86

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A former employee with the Montclair Board of Education who gained a reputation as a “master craftsman” over the years died last weekend at the age of 86.

Harold Vincent Van Riper passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1 with his beloved daughter at his home in Clifton. His obituary follows below, as per the Perry Funeral Home:

Harold Vincent Van Riper was born on July 4, 1936 to the late Harold Howard Van Riper and Lena Mae Green in the City of Paterson, New Jersey. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1 with his beloved daughter at his home in Clifton, New Jersey. He was 86.

Vincent Van Riper grew up on 12th Avenue and 22nd in Paterson, New Jersey where he attended the Paterson Public Schools System. He was outgoing and a fun-loving child, who was affectionately known as the “jokester” of his family.

As a teenager he worked with his father, Harold H. Van Riper, who operated a residential painting company. In his early twenties, he joined the Army National Guard where he served in the Cook’s Unit.

Vincent’s father taught him the skill set of painting houses and he later started his own business. In later years, Vincent owned and operated a residential interior design business. His clients were from Paterson, Montclair, Maplewood and other parts of Northern New Jersey.

In 1959, he married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Van Riper, of Paterson, New Jersey and from this union they had three children. Shortly after, he and his wife moved to East Orange, New Jersey where they began their life together.

Vincent was blessed with his first daughter, Desiree, affectionately called “Desi” in 1960 before welcoming a daughter, Monica, four years later; and a son, Vincent in 1966. He was joyfully “daddy” to his three children who he adored.

Vincent, an avid fisherman and gardener, also loved taking his children swimming at Lake Hopatcong and lakes in upstate New York. Vincent loved teaching them how to skip rocks and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Vincent and Helen also enjoyed family barbecues at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area-Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain State Park. Their marriage spanned 11 years, and Vincent cherished family outings at drive-in theaters and popup carnivals. He had an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily activities which he shared with his children.

Vincent was employed with the Montclair Board of Education for many years before his retirement in 1998. He furthered his education and attended Essex County Community College during his career as a master craftsman for the Montclair Public Schools. He completed and earned Fireman Black Seal and Boiler Operator’s certifications. Over the years, Vincent was a dedicated employee responsible for the district’s building repairs and facilities.

In 1978, Vincent remarried and joined in holy matrimony Corrine L. Murray Van Riper. The two lived in Orange, New Jersey until her death in 2004. He remained at his home, where he spent weekends planting and tending to his flower and vegetable garden.

Vincent also was passionate about car racing. He once owned a 1941 Red Ford convertible with a Landow canvas roof which he loved. His hobbies included listening to jazz, blues and his favorite song “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” from the 1978 movie, The Wiz. He enjoyed spending time watching Film Noir Cinema, westerns and boxing matches.

Vincent lived in Orange until downsizing and moving to Clifton, New Jersey in September 2022. He was a caring husband, father, grand-father and a devoted friend who had a contagious bright smile and the warmest spirit.

Harold Vincent Van Riper is predeceased in death by his first wife, Helen Van Riper, second wife, Corrine L. Van Riper; a daughter Desiree (Desi) Van Riper; a step-son Mark Dixon; two sisters Lena Mae Miller, Geraldine Du Bose-Whitaker; two brothers Albert (Gene) Green and Anthony (Tony) Du Bose.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Monica Poitier; son Vincent C. Van Riper; grandson Jayvon Jones; grand-daughter Angelique Jones; and great-granddaughter Chelsea; his sisters Selma Du Bose; Raquel Van Riper and a brother Lawrence Du Bose; and a special brother-in-law Robert Leon Miller. He is survived by a host of relatives and friends.

A private memorial will be held to honor and celebrate Vincent’s life and legacy.

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