Red Bank Resident, Wayne Holdorf, Dies at 51

Wayne Holdorf, of Red Bank, passed peacefully at home on Friday, Dec. 6. He was 51.

Born in Newark to Kirk and Jeanette (Jursik) Holdorf, he lived in Caldwell before moving to Red Bank 12 years ago. Wayne was a graduate of Cedar Grove High School and earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Montclair State University.

He was employed by Cargille Labs in Cedar Grove as a chemist for 23 years. He was also the owner of Palm Bay, Inc., a palm tree installation company. He loved music, people and life and enjoyed playing the guitar and listening to Mahalia Jackson, his favorite artist.

Wayne was predeceased by: his parents; and his beloved dogs, Zeus, Roxy, Daisy, Sally, Mack and Harley.

He is survived by: his wife since 1991, Tracey (Hughes) Holdorf; his son, Eddie Curry and wife Christine of Belleville; daughter, Samantha Hughes, of Red Bank; sister, Robbin Afurong and husband Cris, of Cedar Grove; sisters-in-law, Colleen and Kelly Hughes; and many nieces/nephews, Monique, Billy, Crystal, Philip, Michele, Jacqueline and Jasmine. He also leaves behind his dogs, George and Biscuit.

The family wishes to specially thank Tracey's boss, Dan Smith, of Cedar Grove, owner of Smitty's Landscaping for his unfailing friendship and support and for allowing her to take the time needed to spend the last weeks with Wayne. They would also like to thank Monmouth Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospice and all of the doctors, nurses and chaplains who cared for Wayne.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, with a funeral service at 7:30 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, followed by a New Orleans-style celebration of life procession followed by a repast at the Molly Pitcher Inn, 88 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701.

Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made in Wayne's memory to the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown, NJ 07724.

* Obituary provided by John E. Day Funeral Home.