Herbert Eugene Kopf

SEASIDE PARK - Herbert Kopf, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Bartley Healthcare in Jackson. Herb was born on July 23, 1924 in Newark, NJ to Herbert and Minnie Kopf. He completed his elementary and high school education in West Caldwell, NJ along side his brother, Alfred, and earned a varsity letter playing basketball. After graduating in 1942, Herb served in the Army during World War II, fighting in combat in Europe. He was a part of the third US Calvary Group, serving under General Patton's Third Army. After the war, Herb enrolled at Springfield College and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1950, he received his Master's of Arts degree from Teacher's College, Columbia University.

Herbert was first employed as a Physical Director at the YMCA in Perth Amboy where he met the love of his life, Joyce Wilck, marrying in 1954, and settling down in Metuchen. Herb was a certified YMCA Aquatic Director and continued to work as Physical Director at the YMCAs in Flushing, NY, Elizabeth, and Jersey City, where he was promoted to Assistant Executive Director before retiring and moving to Seaside Park. After retirement, Herbert became a Recreation Assistant, serving the Federal Government at the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne, Ft. Dix, and Lakehurst Naval Air Station.

Herb was a life member of the Northern NJ Board of International Approved Basketball officials and a life member of the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad in Seaside Park. He was a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and a Multi-media First Aid Instructor. Herbert was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Toms River, where he served as an usher.

Herb was devoted to his family, always putting them first, and sacrificing whatever was necessary to provide them with a good and loving home and life. He was a shining example of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication. He was a loving, responsible, and supportive parent. His grandchildren were his greatest joys and he helped to provide all of them with money for their college educations. Herb lived a full and wonderful life and he will be greatly missed.

Herbert was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce Wilck Kopf, and his granddaughter, Kristina Ingato.

Surviving are his daughter, Katherine Ingato and her husband, John; son, Christopher Kopf and his wife Suzanne; his son, Kurt Kopf; his grandchildren: Steven Ingato, Ashley Kopf, Brittany, Haley, and Mackenzie Kopf; his brother, Alfred Kopf and his wife Phyllis; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will take place at 2PM on Sunday, November 19. 2017, at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1500 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1500 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 -OR- Embrace Kids Foundation, 121 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. For more information, or to post a tribute online, please visit www.deliafuneralhome.com.