Remembering Jerry Goetting: A Life of Service, Family, and Unforgettable Style
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood and Bay Head communities are mourning the loss of a local icon. Jerome “Jerry” Kennedy Goetting passed away on April 27, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant and diverse as the life he led.
From the front lines of the Korean War to the bustling 1967 World’s Fair, Jerry was a man who lived every moment to its fullest—usually with a smile on his face and a great story to tell.
A Jersey Boy at Heart
Born in Ridgewood in 1932, Jerry’s roots ran deep in New Jersey. His childhood was defined by salt air and sunshine in Bay Head, where he and his lifelong friend and cousin, Tommy Gage, spent summers at the Bay Head Yacht Club.
A proud alumnus of the Delbarton School and later the University of Vermont, Jerry’s education was interrupted by a higher calling. In 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving with distinction as a Military Policeman during the Korean War.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit and a Love for Life
After his service, Jerry finished his education at Florida Southern University (joining Pi Kappa Phi) and launched a successful career in accounting. While his work took him across NYC and NJ, he often looked back most fondly on his time with Schaefer Brewing during the 1967 World’s Fair.
But Jerry wasn’t just a numbers man. He was a creative soul who:
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Fostered a Love for Animals: He famously surprised his children with Easter chickens and even a family horse.
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Chased Adventure: An avid skier (both snow and water), Jerry was known for his effortless style on the waves.
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Traveled the Globe: His journeys took him to 11 different countries for service, business, and leisure.
A Devoted Family Man
Above all, Jerry was a father and a grandfather. Though predeceased by his beloved wife, Reitta, and children Scott and Elsie, his spirit lives on through his five surviving children—Lanie, Wendie, Jay, Amy, and Jody—as well as 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Marie Roskoski Fox, Jerry’s dear friend and neighbor, for her companionship over the last decade.
Service Information
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life this Friday:
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When: Friday, May 1, 2026
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Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Where: C.C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home, 306 East Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ
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Interment: A private burial will follow.
In Memoriam
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to Jerry’s heart as a veteran.
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Online: woundedwarriorproject.org
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Phone: 855-448-3997
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