1935-2021
Born on June 24th, 1935 in Hackensack, New Jersey, Dave has been a lifelong resident of the state, growing up in Bogota and a resident of Old Tappan since 1974. He passed away on August 12th, 2021 at the age of 86. He is predeceased by his parents Harry Pinckney and Sarah Cortelyou (Overbaugh) Northrop as well as his first wife Arden Ruth (Svenson) Northrop. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Marlene Ann Northrop, his daughter Melissa Arden Keiser and her husband Richard H. Keiser of Alexandria, VA and his daughter Dr. Jennifer A. Northrop and her husband Dr. John Delmonte Jr. of Saratoga Springs, NY as well as three granddaughters Amanda Keiser, Alessandra Delmonte and Avery Delmonte.
David attended Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, where he received an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in computer science. Dave was fortunate to enjoy a long and successful career in the field of computers and information technology. He initially worked at Fairchild Industries and then became the Director of the Computer Science Department at Fairleigh Dickinson University where he also served as an instructor. Dave then worked for over 30 years in New York City as the Director of Information Technology at Hachette Filipacchi Media from where he retired in 2005.
Dave served in the United States Naval Reserves for 8 years as a radio specialist. This was ideal for Dave, combining his passion for science and technology with his love of boats and the water.
Dave always enjoyed music immensely and played piano from age 5 onwards. He was exceptionally talented and able to play by ear for hours without music in front of him. He played piano for a ballet school to earn money during his college years. He also filled in at church on the organ and piano over the years and enjoyed playing at many social events. Dave and Marlene enjoyed attending performances of the New York City Ballet, having been season ticket holders for over 50 years.
Dave was a parishioner at Trinity Reformed Church in Old Tappan since 1974, having been a member of the choir and serving on the Consistory as Deacon, later as an Elder and eventually as the President.
Dave was also very active as an Old Tappan resident. He joined the Board of Health and the Senior Advisory Board in 2006, becoming the chairman a year later. He also joined the Golden Age Club and started to offer computer instruction to all interested. He was instrumental in developing several new programs for the senior residents of Old Tappan which are still in existence today.
Freemasonry was a large part of Dave’s life starting in his late teenage years. He initially joined the Falls City Masonic Lodge, No. 82 in Paterson, NJ where he was a past master. Upon dissolution of that lodge, Dave joined Temple Lodge, No. 173 in Westwood. Dave achieved the highest honor in Freemasonry as a 33rd degree master mason, a supreme honor bestowed only on those who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Brotherhood, as well as professional and personal accomplishments.
Dave loved animals (he had many pets throughout his lifetime including turtles, birds, and dogs) and appreciated the outdoors and nature. He enjoyed walking everywhere and while Dave was working in New York City, he set a goal for himself to walk every city block of Manhattan at least once (he kept a small pocket map of the borough with him and would check off each block as he walked it) which he did eventually achieve! He was an avid reader and loved books about science, submarines, boats, codebreaking, medicine and spy mysteries. Dave also loved to travel and was always interested in seeing new sights.
The family wishes to thank David’s longstanding physician Dr. Harry Fried, for his many years of thoughtful and outstanding care, as well as Dr. Harvey Gross and partners who provided exceptional care to Dave in the last two years while at The Jewish Home. Additionally, special thanks to the Jewish Home facilities in Rockleigh and River Vale for their dedication and compassion to Dave and Marlene.
Family services to be private with a memorial service to follow in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Trinity Reformed Church, 292 Old Tappan Rd, Old Tappan, NJ 07675 (www.trinityoldtappan.com)
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
To the family, we have to say what an amazing man and I know father, Dave Northrop was. I now understand where Melissa gets her prowess with computers and focus to detail for her career at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museums archives. I’ve had the privilege to have some insight to the last few years of Mr. Northrop’s life and send my deepest condolences to his wife and family and know he’s finally at peace.
Thank you for your lovely response.
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Northrup for a number of years when he served as Chairman of Old Tappan’s Senior Advisory Board. He loved his community, evidenced by the number of boards and committees he served on as a resident for almost fifty years. The Borough of Old Tappan owes Mr. Northrup a debt of gratitude for his service and will be sorely missed. My condolences to Marlene and the family. Rest in peace, David.
Thank you Jin for your wonderful words about my father.
Dear Marlene and Family,
Working with Dave and Marlene on the senior advisory committee you would understand how Dave took his ability to be the best at what ever he did. He was a wonderful, talented, and caring husband and father and community minded individual.
Wishing I could have witnessed his musical talents as well. I certainly could have used his computer know how.
My condolences to Marlene and the family.
Mrs. Morro, thank you for your beautiful comment. My mother and I greatly appreciate it.