Dr. Edward J. Fetter of Oak Ridge, N.J., passed away Monday, March 1, 2021, surrounded by family. He was 87.
He was an only child born on May 17, 1933, to Mary (nee Vidali) and Joseph Fetter in New York City near the old New York Yankee stadium. His father died when he was three, and his mother, Mary, never remarried. She raised him as a single mom in Philadelphia, Pa., and predeceased him.
He was a good baseball player and considered the minor leagues as an outfielder but chose college and chemistry. Later ending his baseball career as an Outfielder for the West Milford Old Timers softball league. Ed was a patient, wise, loving man who always lent an ear and gave a piece of his heart to all in his life. At his end, his heart gave out but never gave up. He lived a full happy life.
Ed graduated magna cum laude from LaSalle University with a bachelor of arts. He continued his studies at University of Maryland and earned a master of science in 1958 and a Ph.D in chemistry in 1961.
Ed worked at American Cyanamid/Cytec for 37 years, rising to Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs International when he retired. He was revered in the chemical industry for life changing patents and his outstanding knowledge and problem-solving skills. His distinguished career earned him international recognition in the chemical industry.
Ed married Gloria Maria Caballero Fetter. Together for 63 years, they blessed this world with a wonderful family of 6 children, 17 grandchildren, and just in the last year 3 great-grandchildren plus 2 more on the way. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Terésa Geisheker, Lynne Daviet, Maria Smith, Gary Fetter, Mark Fetter, and Karen Curtiss.
Dr. Edward J. Fetter remained true to his family and his faith his entire life. Now he will be remembered as he lives on in heaven. Rest in Peace faithful one.
The family received visitors on March 10 at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, Newfoundland, N.J. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 11, from 10 to 11 a.m .(open to family and friends, masks required), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Simon the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Newfoundland (video link: https://stsimonapostle.org).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities (ccpaterson.org/gruenert) or to The Abbey Saint-Joseph de Clairval (clairval.com).