Carl Erben

Carl Erben, age 90, of Oradell, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Beloved husband of 61 years to Barbara (née Bonja). Cherished brother of the late Anna Hackett and her husband Thomas. Devoted father to Beth Erben, Dan Erben and his wife Patty, and Debbie Burke and her husband Gregg. Loving grandfather to Daniel Erben, Kevin Erben, Claire Erben, Celia Burke, and Faye Burke. Born in 1935 in Bergenfield, NJ to Karl and Mary Erben, Carl grew up a happy-go-lucky kid who loved to drive fast in his white Triumph. His first job—setting pins at the Bergenfield Bowling Alley—sparked what became a lifelong love and talent for bowling. After realizing that college wasn’t the right fit, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an MP in Mannheim, Germany. His captain was so impressed with his bowling skills that he offered Carl special privileges, but Carl declined, believing he shouldn’t be treated differently from the rest of his squad. Still, he continued competitive bowling as one of his favorite pastimes. After completing his military service, Carl spent 30 years with New York Telephone/AT&T, retiring in 1991. Never one to sit still, he combined his love of working with his hands and helping others into a handyman business that he continued well into his 80s. Carl was an avid golfer and passed his love of the game on to Dan, and now to his grandsons. In his 40s, he relearned how to ski, leading to many adventurous family ski trips. Though he didn’t always love the cold, the joy of skiing became another tradition passed down to his grandchildren. He taught his family by example—often saying he was a “terrible teacher,” despite the fact that he could fix or figure out almost anything. Hard-working, independent, and stubborn, Carl embodied traits that his family proudly carries forward. Even though he didn’t complete college himself, he was deeply committed to ensuring that each of his children earned a college degree, a gift he was proud to give them. Artistic by nature, Carl loved to draw and color throughout his life. In his later years, coloring became a favorite way to spend quiet afternoons. Carl was happiest when he had a project to work on, was tinkering with his tools in the basement, sampling bakeries around Bergen County, enjoying time with his family, or relaxing on Long Beach Island, a place he especially loved. Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 4-8 pm at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 am at Our Lady of Victories, Harrington Park, NJ. For more information or to visit Carl's tribute page, please visit www.volkleber.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Alzheimer’s NJ, 425 Eagle Rock Rd., Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068 or please consider planting a tree in memory of Carl at Arbor Day Foundation.

Carl Erben

October 25, 1935 - December 1, 2025