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
I will miss you grandpa, I wish we had more time. I wish you could have had more time with your great granddaughters. They would have loved to be your sous chefs, and your firecracker personality. Would have loved one more Stone Harbor summer with everyone by your side. I am so grateful to have had you in my life, I just wish you were in it earlier. Thank you for always treating me like I was never anything less than your granddaughter. You were so loved. I love you. Rest easy! <3
What a great man and brother in law. He was Alot of fun and yes loved busting chops when ever opportunity arose. Excellent chef. He did an awesome job making venison cutlets and pasta. And much more. Took us out fishing and claiming. I will sure miss him and remember him fondly. RIP George
Rest in Peace George.
Thank you for your service to the great town of Northvale.
Anna and Bruna Carchedi send our sincere condolences to George’s family.
Kenny, so sorry to be reading this. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your father rest in peace
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved father grandfather and Great Grandpa and most of all husband . He was a true gentleman and devoted family man. Condolences to all his family and friends. I am so honored to have known him. He certainly left a mark on this world especially his community. His children followed in his footsteps. His legacy lives on in them. Sending lots of love to everyone at this difficult time.
Sincerest condolences to family, friends and the law enforcement family. From growing up as a teenager to working on the Department, George was a true Brother in my life. A man with a heart of gold. What fantastic times we shared. A great family man devoted to helping all. My sincere prayers for the family
So sad, i sure remember George. I grew up in Northvale, what i remember most about George is that in 1963 i had a plan to leave home. I knew my father who was very strick would never let me leave. I lived close to Nathan Hale where the police dept was and Chief Pete was the chief, I walked over to get protection so i could leave.George was on duty and George D’iamco were on duty so they had to come over to the house in order to let my parents also know that i was 18 an could leave. I felt bad because Joe Lorenzini was well know in Northvale. I have thought about that escape for years ha ha. George through the years before that was always so nice an friendly an when he would see me he always stopped to talk. He was a great man an a great police officer. Hearthfelt thoughts an prayers to his familu. God bliss you George I am so glad I knew you.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember all the good times we had all those years ago. I think of ALL of you often and wish you peace in this sad time. I lost my Dad almost 3 years ago and we miss him everyday. So many years go by and life consumes us. We never really take time to appreciate how precious and short our lives really are. I hope your father is at peace. He was a wonderful man. Love and miss you much
Bye Pading (Padrino)
I’m so sad, but thanks for all the memories. Your Godchild and cousin. To our entire family my deepest sympathy.
Ken, Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your father rest in peace.
My Sincerest Condolences & Prayers for George’s family. I hold fond childhood memories of my dad’s (Fred Ceccotti’s) dear friend along with his wife & children. My thoughts are with you.
Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. It sure sounds like your dad had a full life! May he rest in peace.
What a beautiful tribute to a man who lived such a courageous and meaningful life. Dear Ken and Kaitlyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing and bring comfort to all who loved him.