Obituary of Ed Potash

Clarence Edwin (Ed) Potash Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather Ed Potash, age 92, passed away surrounded by his loving family peacefully on December 26, 2021. The third oldest of six children, Ed was born and raised in Oakland by Alexander (Mayor Al) and Velma Potash (nee Safford). He graduated from Pompton Lakes High School in 1946 and joined the family excavating business, Alexander Potash and Sons which later became James Construction Corp. Along with his older brothers, the trio expanded this business which is still thriving in Oakland today under the direction of his sons and nephews. Ed served his beloved country in the Army Corp of Engineers stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning, Ed married the love of his life Jean Marcia Van Dyk of Fairlawn in the summer of 1953. The couple settled in Oakland, happily raising a family of four children for three decades. They later resided in Franklin Lakes and eventually Wayne, while wintering in Vero Beach, Florida. Ed and Jean were blessed with great friends and countless memories wherever they lived. Ed was a hard-working, energetic, loyal, compassionate, loving man. Important to him were faith, family, and friends. He was devoted to God and tirelessly served for over 60 years as a congregant of Ponds Reformed Church in Oakland; active on the consistory and building and grounds committees including overseeing Ponds Church Cemetery. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Jean, daughter Wendy and her husband Jeff Wilson of Vero Beach, Fla., daughter Linda and her husband Kim Marchese of Oakland, son Tom and his wife Lisa of Oakland, and son Jim and his wife Sarah of Mendham. He is also survived by those who affectionately called him “Pop”, his grandchildren Scott Wilson, Gary Wilson, Kevin Marchese and wife Maya, Michele (nee Marchese) and husband John Preuss, Mark Potash and husband Sam Gretz , Jack Potash and fiancé Monica Martini, Peter Potash and wife Juliana, Luke Potash, and John Potash. Ed is also survived by his two great grandchildren Nina Marchese and Owen Preuss. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings William Potash of Oakland, Eleanor Reynolds of Racine, Wisconsin, Carol Poppel of Scotch Plains, NJ, and David Potash (Lynda, nee Decker) of Punta Gorda, Fla. He was predeceased by his brother James Potash of Oakland. “Uncle Ed” leaves behind fifteen nephews and nieces and their families. The family will be hosting visitation from 2PM to 6 PM on Sunday Jan 2, 2022 at Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Monday Jan 3, 2022 at Ponds Reformed Church, 341 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Ed’s family requests you make a donation to the Ponds Reformed Church.