Larry Rauch

Lawrence “Larry” Rauch, beloved husband of the late Sherry Ann Rauch, 78, of Manchester, N.J., formerly of Upper Saddle River, N.J., passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021. Born in Bronx, N.Y., Larry lived in Upper Saddle River for 50 years before moving to Manchester in 2019.

Husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he served our country for four years in the United States Navy. A member of the Upper Saddle River Fire Department, he served in every firematic position and also as Vice President and President multiple times. During his 49 years of service Larry held the position as Fire Chief 5 separate times making him the longest serving Chief in the history of USRFD. In 2018, he was the oldest Active Fire Chief in New Jersey. Larry was also the Coordinator of Safety Programs at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute for over 20 years. He also served as the New Jersey State Fire Coordinator for Bergen County for over 20 years. He is also a past President of The NJ NY Volunteer Firemen’s Association, USR Relief Association, Exempt Association, The Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Association and a member of the NJ State Fire Chiefs Association.

A true example of his commitment to fire safety was evident in his ongoing work with youths in the Bergen County Juvenile Fire Prevention Program.   

In 2019, he moved to Ocean County where he joined the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Company where he was able to serve his remaining years with his son and grandson.

Larry was predeceased by his beloved wife Sherry Ann Rauch on December 4, 2020. Larry is survived his son Scott and his wife Donna, along with their children Kiersten and her husband Ian Maher, Tyler Lawrence, Abigail Rose and Michael Quinn Rauch. Also, son Christopher and his wife Laurie. And Christopher’s children Nicole and her husband Manny Maltese with their son Logan, Cassandra and her husband Andrew Zetts with their son Caleb and Christopher Kendall Rauch.  Larry was also survived by his sister Judi Rauch of Yonkers N.Y. 

Visitation will be 4pm – 8pm on Friday at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ  07481.  Funeral service is 10:30am at the Upper Saddle River Fire Department, 375 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.

Interment will follow at the Saddle River Reformed Church Cemetery.

In honor of Lawrence “Larry” Rauch, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Upper Saddle River Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 274, Saddle River, NJ 07458.  

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