Northvale Police Chief George E. Vollmer (Ret.), 90, a lifelong resident of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, February 16, 2026.
George was born and raised in Northvale, growing up on the cherished Vollmer/Bongiovanni family property (affectionately known as “the compound”), founded by his Italian grandparents, who immigrated with his mother around 1915. Surrounded by generations of family, strong values, and a deep sense of community, George developed the work ethic, loyalty, and love of the land that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (née Fehsal). Loving father of George M. Vollmer and his wife Katie McGuire, Kenneth Vollmer, and Sherri Lyn Vollmer and her husband John Churinskas. Proud grandfather of Lea Ann, Tiffany, Bryanne, Kaitlyn, Alexandria, and Kenneth, and adored great-grandfather of Lyra and Chloe. Dear brother of the late Lorelei Matthews.
George was a devoted Catholic who faithfully attended church and lived out his faith through service to others. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered his time feeding the homeless at St. Anthony’s Church alongside Father Jerry.
George dedicated his life to the town he loved so much. He joined the Northvale Police Department in 1961 and rose through the ranks to become Police Chief in 1983, serving with pride and integrity until his retirement in 1996. He was a respected member of the Bergen County Police Chief’s Association, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
His commitment to service extended far beyond the police department. George was a life member of the Northvale Volunteer Fire Association and served as Fire Chief from 1979 to 1980. He was also a member of the Northvale Exempt Firemen’s Association and a life member of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association. He served on the Northvale Planning Board and was a charter member of the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps—always stepping up wherever help was needed to serve his community.
A skilled and hardworking craftsman, George built his own home on the family property in the 1960s using plans from a Sears catalog—a reflection of his ingenuity and won’t-give-up attitude. A true jack of all trades, he could do construction and service work with ease and even spent time modeling in his younger years, appearing in numerous advertisements.
Outside of his public service, George was happiest at home and with family. He loved gardening and working in the yard, cooking for his loved ones (or taking them out to their favorite restaurant, The Mountain House), relaxing in his armchair, vacationing in Stone Harbor, and traveling the world with his beloved wife, “Bobbe”—always returning home with souvenirs for his family. He took great joy in spoiling his grandchildren and making sure everyone around him was well taken care of. He also deeply valued his friendships, many of which became like family to his children. He had a great sense of humor and loved “busting everyone’s chops,” keeping family and friends on their toes with his wit. He could be stubborn—a true tough cookie—but beneath that was a soft heart and a deep commitment to doing the right thing and helping others whenever he could.
George had the biggest heart and a special love for animals, from family pets, especially his grand-pup Yennifer, aka Tiffany”, to the squirrel that faithfully visited his backyard bird feeder and became part of his daily routine.
Visiting hours are Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 4–8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.
In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to any of the organizations that were a huge part of his life and that he cared for deeply: Northvale Police Benevolent Association, Northvale Volunteer Fire Association, the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the food pantry at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Northvale.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
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