David H. Etterbeek

David H. Etterbeek of Bluffton, SC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 6, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Paterson, NJ, he spent over 40 years in Wyckoff before retiring first to Bonita Springs, FL, and later settled in Bluffton, SC.

A graduate of Eastern Christian High School, Dave was a stand-out in both basketball and soccer. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Montclair State University where he was a member of the men’s soccer team. He graduated with a business degree and spent his entire career in the waste management industry in both sales and operations. He was known not only for his dedication but for his kindness and genuine care he showed to colleagues and friends alike.

Dave held a CDL license and enjoyed making trips to Cary, Mississippi, volunteering for the Cary Christian Center. He had strong faith in the Lord and a passion to help those in need; collecting and transporting donated goods to Cary, Mississippi was a perfect fit for him. He often spoke fondly of watching the sun come up as he drove into Cary in the early morning hours which was his favorite time to be behind the wheel.

Dave’s greatest joy in life came in spending time with his three grandsons, Jack, Carson, and Connor. Whether they were playing golf, fishing at Smitty’s, enjoying family dinner night, or he was just cheering them on at their baseball and soccer games, Dave was at his best and was his happiest when he was with his boys.

At the time of his death, Dave was a member of The Church of the Cross in Bluffton, SC where he found deep fulfillment participating in bible study groups and volunteering as a docent.

David is survived by his daughter, Kristen N. DeMarco (Etterbeek) and husband Carl and son, David B. Etterbeek.  He will be incredibly missed by his adored grandsons, Jack Etterbeek and Carson and Connor DeMarco. He also leaves behind his devoted sisters Susan Soderlind and Debra Dyer and many nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his wife, Barbara J. Etterbeek (Klopman), his parents Jim and Anne Etterbeek (Beversluis) and his sister Karen VanderHorn (Etterbeek).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29 at 11:00 at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ  07481. 

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