Obituary of Reuben Odin Gorde

Reuben Gorde, 94, of Woodland Park passed away January 16, 2016. Reuben was born December 30, 1921 to Ingeborg and Oscar Gorde at home, on their farm, in Edmore, North Dakota. He was born into a family of three sisters, Hilma, Bernice and Lillian, and their two brothers, Clarence and Johnny. Reuben attended school in Nekoma, North Dakota. As a young man he worked various jobs including farm hand and lumberjack. He joined the United States Navy in January of 1942 at the age of twenty one, and proudly served until September of 1947. During this period he reached the rank of Aviation Metalsmith 2nd class (AM2C) and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Antietam and USS Boxer in the Pacific Theater. Reuben was eventually stationed stateside in Norfolk Virginia and then the Naval Air Station Alameda, in California. He met the love of his life, Theodora Zwirek, also serving in the Navy, while both were stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Norfolk Virginia. They married on January 4, 1947 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Together they had one son Richard, and remained inseparable for 66 years until 'Teddy' passed away in February of 2013. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Reuben went on to work as a draftsman for Watson-Flagg in Paterson, NJ. During the next 6 years he attended evening courses at Farleigh Dickenson University and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1956 General Electric acquired Watson-Flagg. Reuben stayed and continued 26 years with General Electric, eventually becoming Quality Control manager of the Gear Motor division. Within 2 years of his retirement, the Gear Motor division was sold to Amtec Inc. Reuben remained with the division and helped in the transition. After his retirement at 62, Reuben actively attended General Electric retiree functions. He always talked about his years with the company and sought to maintain the lifelong friendships he had made during his time with GE. Post retirement from his career as an engineer, Reuben was employed by the Borough of Woodland Park as an assistant clerk in the tax office and continued to work there until June of 2015. While in this position, he developed close friendships and bonds that he cherished until the very end. He really loved his town, his job, and the wonderful people with whom he worked. Reuben had been an active member of American Legion Post #238 in Woodland Park. He enjoyed the camaraderie and his Tuesday nights out. Reuben was also a parishioner of Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Paterson. Reuben took much comfort in his faith. He drew strength from it equally in good as well as hard times. It was a very important part of his life. Reuben will be sadly missed by his son Richard, his loving family and dear friends on this coast, the Midwest and beyond. Reuben touched many hearts in his lifetime. Though some had been distanced by time and circumstance, he always carried a special place for them in his huge heart. All were so very important to him. He will be especially missed by his nieces, nephews and their own families. Everyone knew that 'Uncle Gorde' always took a genuine interest, he just loved those kids. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 8-9am at Santangelo Funeral Home, 635 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ. A funeral Mass will be offered at 9:30am at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 70 Murray Ave., Paterson, NJ. Entombment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 Phone: 800-822-6344 Website: www.stjude.org/donate