Joseph Edward 'Big Joe' Van Acker

Joseph Edward “Big Joe” Van Acker, 72 years old, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014. Born to Joseph and Gladys Van Acker in Jersey City, N.J., he has been a lifelong resident of Hardyston Twp., NJ.

“Big Joe” worked as a sanitation engineer for over 40 years for Waste Management in Lafayette, NJ before retiring in 2006. He was a dedicated husband and doting father and grandfather.

“Big Joe” is predeceased by a brother, Constantine Van Acker and was the beloved husband for 51 years of Bertha Van Acker of Hardyston Twp., N.J. Devoted father of Gladys Mayers and her husband, Rory, of Vernon Twp., NJ, Jody VanEtten and her fiancé, Kevin Schmitz, of Hardyston Twp., NJ, Roxanne Regeling and her husband, Anthony, of Vernon Twp., N.J., and Jeffrey Van Acker and his wife, Cindy, of Hardyston Twp., NJ. Loving grandfather of Rory, Joey, Ashley, Nina and Kevin. Cherished by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive their friends at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, 1 Main Street, Franklin, N.J., on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be private. Information and condolences can be found at www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.