the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Waldwick NJ, the Waldwick community is mourning the loss of a beloved resident and first responder, John Papendick, who tragically passed away in a car crash last week. Papendick, 58, was a dedicated member of the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WALVAC) for 11 years, serving as President, former Captain, and in various other leadership roles.
“It is with deep regret that the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps announces the passing of John Papendick,” the organization shared. “John was a selfless leader, a mentor, and a family member to every member of the ambulance corps. His legacy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, compassion, and the countless lives he touched.”
Mayor Tom Giordano also paid tribute, describing Papendick as “a generous person who put the needs of others before his own.” The mayor emphasized John’s caring nature, stating, “He will be remembered for his caring and giving heart and his legacy of service to others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.”
The tragic accident occurred on Wednesday, August 14, as Papendick was driving south on Route 287 in Franklin Lakes. According to State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, Papendick’s Dodge Charger veered off the road, struck a guardrail, and then reentered the roadway, crossing all lanes before hitting a concrete traffic barrier. He was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that night. The crash remains under investigation.
Papendick’s obituary described him as “the definition of a class act,” highlighting his roles as a “man of many trades,” a loving husband, and a father to three boys. His brother, Charlie, echoed these sentiments on Facebook, saying, “John was everything to everyone, a confidant, a tireless worker, a sponge for learning new things and sharing them.”
In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe page was created, raising more than $26,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. The funds will help support Papendick’s 90-year-old mother, for whom he was the sole caretaker.
The Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps’ Facebook page has been flooded with comments from residents sharing memories of Papendick’s kindness and dedication. Waldwick Councilwoman Kathleen Cericola expressed her admiration, saying, “It was a pleasure getting to know John this year through WALVAC, and it was evident how much he truly cared about this special organization.”
To honor John Papendick, Mayor Giordano ordered all flags in Waldwick to fly at half-staff from Monday through Wednesday. “Thank you, John,” the mayor said, “for giving Waldwick and our residents your unselfish dedication and caring for all of us when we were in need.”
John Papendick’s legacy of service and compassion will forever be remembered in the Waldwick community. Rest in peace, John. The Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps will carry on your mission.
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He could save others … but not himself. Tragedy of Darth Plaugeis the Wise shit right there.