Dorothy (Troy) Zier

WYCKOFF, NJ    Dorothy (Dot) Zier died on September 17, 2025 due to natural causes while
living at the Christian Healthcare Center in Wyckoff, N.J. She was 93.
Born in Paterson, N.J. on December 22, 1931, she was the daughter of Francis and Eleanor Troy.
The family moved to Ridgewood, N.J. in 1947 although Dot continued to attend Benedictine
Academy in Paterson. She subsequently attended the College of New Rochelle and Berkeley
College. She enjoyed a successful early career with the advertising agency of BBDO. Dot married
Ronald Zier in 1957, and after a short stint in Spring Valley, N.Y., the couple purchased their first
home in Glen Rock, N.J. in 1958 . They welcomed their firstborn, Edward, into the world the
same year.
The Ziers enjoyed a wide family across Bergen County. Husband, Ron, experienced a quick rise
in the public relations industry culminating in a 27-year career and a role as Corporate Vice
President with Warner-Lambert in Morris Plains, N.J. With her husband’s success, Dot turned
her attention to raising four children. The family moved from Glen Rock in 1970 and relocated
to Franklin Lakes, N.J. In their retirement years, Ron and Dot enjoyed the friendly confines of
Wyckoff. Ron directed two major capital campaigns as a two-term president of The Wyckoff
Family YMCA, while Dot found comfort in reviving her watercolor painting talents. She also
volunteered for the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and was an early advocate of the Brady
Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Her undeniable strength and courage in fighting for the rights
of children and individuals with disabilities was one of her life’s most notable accomplishments.
Mr. and Mrs. Zier were members of the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, and the Bay Head
(NJ) Yacht Club.
Dot was predeceased by Ronald in 2020. She is survived by sons Edward (and his wife Mary
Tara) of Naples, Fla., Ronald (and his wife Gina) of Ojai, Cal., and James of Midland Park. A
daughter, Julie (Kiess) Zier also lives in Midland Park. Dot also leaves four grandchildren:
Kerriann Solomon, Marybeth McDonough, Magdalene Zier and Dugan Zier, and three great-
grandchildren. She was predeceased by a sister, Eleanor.

The Zier family will receive friends on Monday, September 22 from 2:00 – 3:30pm at the

Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ  07481. A funeral service will be held at 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wyckoff Family YMCA,

691 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ  07481 in the name of Dorothy Zier.

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