Armand A. Van Gelder

Armand A. van Gelder died on January 27, 2010 after a long illness. He was 83 years old. Armand was a life long resident of Cranford. A graduate of Cranford High School in 1944, he enlisted in in the U.S. Army. In May 1944, he saw combat in Europe with the 102nd Infantry Division. He transfered to the MP platoon. After the war was over he transfered to the first infantry Division, and became a prison guard at the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal. He attended the 1st Division Military Intelligence School in Germany. Honorably Discharged on July 29, 1946, he joined the Cranford Auxillary Police as a partolman. He retired as a captain, and commanding officer in 1991 after 40 years. He was a member of of the American Legion of Clark. In 1953, he joined the U.S Post Office in Cranford as a letter Carrier and retired in 1983 after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife Helen Specht van Gelder. Tow daughters, Susan van Gelder, and Lois Mandato. Grandsons, Philip, and Jason Mandato. One great granddaughter Ava Mandato. He also leaves a sister Marie Gore, two nephews Thomas and Richard, and a grand niece Miranda. Visitation will be on Monday from 10 am to 11 am at the Gray Memorial Funeral Home in Cranford. Funeral services will begin at 11 am Monday at the funeral home and burial will follow at Cloverleaf Memorial Park in Woodbridge.