Earl M.H. Burge '61

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Earle M.H. Burdge, 81, of Knowlton Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. Born on July 5, 1943, in Newton, NJ, he was the beloved son of the late Albert C. Sr. and Gertrude (Hunt) Burdge.

A proud lifelong resident of Knowlton Township, Earle built his home there in 1972 and remained devoted to the community and landscape he loved. He was the owner and operator of Earle M.H. Burdge Interior & Exterior Painting and Paper Hanging, through which he served Warren County with pride and craftsmanship.

Earle was a dedicated member of the Knowlton American Legion, actively contributing to the spirit and values of the organization. After retiring, he fully embraced his identity as a self-proclaimed “Mountain Man.” He spent his days outdoors—cutting and stacking cords of wood, enjoying the peace and rhythm of nature that brought him so much joy.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff and wife Kim, and Dennis Burdge; his cherished grandchildren, Jacob and Emily Burdge; and his loyal canine companion, Romeo.

Earle will be remembered for his work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and his deep roots in the community. His legacy lives on through his family and the home and life he so lovingly built.

There are no services at this time. Earle has been entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earle’s name to:

Blairstown Ambulance Corp.

P.O. Box 389

Blairstown, NJ, 07825

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Obituary of Robert Lewis DePuy Jr. '70

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Robert “Bob” Lewis DePuy, 74, of Mt. Bethel, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on March 26, 2025. Born on September 20, 1950, in Newton, NJ, Bob was the son of the late Robert L. DePuy Sr. and Thelma (Hill) Sipley.

After graduation from Blairstown High School in 1970 and serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, Bob returned to the town he loved. A true Blairstown native at heart, his career spanned from Park Garage to Darst Tree Service to Blairstown Public Works, where he eventually rose to become the head of the department and served as Emergency Management Coordinator for Blairstown township.

His dedication to the community extended beyond his job; Bob was a proud lifetime member of Blairstown Hose Company #1, serving as Past Chief, and always willing to lend a hand when needed.

Bob's passion for the outdoors was evident in everything he did. Whether fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Bob was happiest when he was surrounded by the great outdoors. His adventurous spirit and love for life left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his beloved children, son Travis (Crystie) and daughter Allison (Russell); his stepdaughter Kimberly Clark (Evan); his sister Donna Nodzak (Jim); his brother Thomas DePuy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Eileen, who passed away in 2009.

A visitation in Bob's honor will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ. Burial of ashes with military honors will follow at Stillwater Cemetery in Stillwater, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's memory to Blairstown Hose Company #1, P.O. Box J, Blairstown, NJ 07825, an organization that was dear to his heart.

Bob's legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for his family and community will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit our Tree Store.

Obituary of Jean Belcher '56

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Jean C. Belcher, 87, a resident of Blairstown, NJ, passed away on February 27, 2025, at Forest Manor in Frelinghuysen, NJ on what would have been her 68th wedding anniversary. She was born in Hardwick, NJ on July 14,1937 to the late Albert and Evelyn Lambert. A lifetime resident of Hardwick, she was the manager of food services at Blairstown Elementary School for over 30 years before retiring. Jean loved playing Bingo in Mt. Bethel for many years and continued playing while a resident of the nursing home she resided at. Tricky trays were a particular pleasure of hers as well.

She is survived by two sons, Raymond (Barbara), and Edward (Patricia), grandchildren, Heather, Justin, Jerret, Chris and Wyatt, as well as 8 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond (1992) as well as a sister Dorris, and brothers Ted, Wallace, Richard and Kenneth Lambert.

Graveside services are private, and Jean will be buried next to her husband in Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Blairstown, NJ. Services are entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ.

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To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jean, please visit our Tree Store.