Douglas Van Winkle

Douglas Van Winkle, 66, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife with his family by his side, at home on March 31, 2022.

Born on October 4, 1955 in Plainfield, NJ, he was the eldest son of Robert and Bette Van Winkle of Warren, NJ.

He was the retired Police Captain of Warren Township, where he faithfully served for twenty-five years.

He also served Warren Township on the Community Fire Department before joining Lopatcong #2 Fire Company the day he moved to the area in 1987, earning him a life membership in the NJ State Fireman’s Association. 

Doug was an avid runner of 5Ks, especially for charity. In spite of losing his sight, he continued these with the love and partnership of his sister Linda. Always the runner, he even completed a full marathon on his treadmill at the young age of 60.

Of all his accomplishments, Doug cherished his family and friends the most. He was a dedicated father and grandfather, loved his family time, coached sports at Holy Name and was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for many years. Most recently, he enjoyed sharing cookies and playing ball with his grandson, Trevor. He enjoyed living life to the fullest, whether at a music festival, listening to Bruce or other artists in his vast music collection, going to the camp ground or on an Ultimate Pub Crawl in Europe with best friends Bill and Pam Tickle.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Betsy Van Winkle of Phillipsburg, NJ, his daughter Laura and son-in-law, Marty Holmgren, of Montvale, NJ, his son Danny Van Winkle and daughter-in-law, Lisa Brown, of Raleigh, NC, and he was the best Grandpa “G” to his grandson, Trevor Holmgren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Joanne Van Winkle of Bethlehem, PA and sister, Linda Pagliaro of Bath, PA. In addition, Doug is also survived by his many brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

A Viewing is scheduled for Monday, April 4, 2022 from 6-9PM at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman Street, Phillipsburg, NJ, with an additional viewing the following day, Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 10-11AM, with a service set to follow at 11 AM. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at his Tribute Page Douglas Van Winkle  or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society @ http://www.lls.org/.