Theodore H Emmerling

Theodore “Ted” Emmerling of Ridgefield, New Jersey, passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 79. Born April 12, 1946, in North Bergen to Maryann and John Emmerling, Ted lived a life built on hard work, loyalty, and love for his family and community. Ted grew up in North Bergen with his older brother, John. He attended St. Brigid Grammar School in North Bergen and graduated from North Bergen High School. After graduating High School a young Ted worked at the King George Butcher Shop while attending Kean College which he would later graduate from. For nearly five decades, Ted dedicated his career to the Union City Board of Education, starting in 1972 as an Industrial Arts teacher before moving into the role of Maintenance Foreman for the Facilities Department. Whether in the classroom or working with his hands, Ted took pride in teaching, fixing, and building—always with patience, skill, and care. He was a devoted husband to Nancy, his wife of many years, and a proud father to Scott (Lauren), Sean (Stefanie), and Michele (Matthew). Nothing brought him more joy than being “Pop-Pop” or “Poppy” to his grandchildren— River, Alora, Christian, Teddy, Francesca, Makayla, and Mackenzie. He lit up when talking about them, and they will always remember his warm smile, gentle nature, and big hugs. Ted loved the simple pleasures in life—working in his garden, especially tending to his tomato plants, building and fixing things around the house, and spending summers by the shore in Lavallette, New Jersey, and Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Those places, filled with family, friends, and laughter, were where he was happiest. Ted leaves behind his wife, Nancy; his children and their spouses; his grandchildren; and many friends and neighbors who will never forget his kindness, humor, and generosity. Visitation will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ 07649. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church, 555 Prospect Avenue, Ridgefield, NJ 07657. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652. Flowers are welcome and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Theodore’s memory to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at www.stjude.org/donate For more information or to visit Ted's tribute page, please visit www.volkleber.com

Theodore H Emmerling

April 12, 1946 - August 8, 2025