Obituary of Chris Jeffrey Pruden
Chris Jeffrey Pruden, beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, cherished brother, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 77 years old.
Chris lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering devotion to those around him. To know Chris was to be welcomed with kindness, lifted by his ever-present humor, and reminded of what it means to truly show up for your family, your friends, your country, and your faith.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Chris served his country with honor an experience that helped shape his deep sense of duty, discipline, and humility. That same spirit of service stayed with him throughout his life, as he continued to give of himself in every role he held.
He was the kind of man who never missed a game, a practice, or a chance to cheer on his children. He took pride in being present coaching from the sidelines with words of encouragement, driving to every practice without complaint, and always being the steady, reassuring presence, his family could count on.
Chris worked hard not for recognition or reward, but because providing for his loved ones was his purpose. For over 43 years, he was a dedicated and loyal employee at Givaudan, where he served as Compounding Supervisor. He never sought praise only the satisfaction of a job well done and a family well supported.
With his wife, Rose, by his side for over 50 years, they built a life rooted in faith, unconditional love, and family values. Together, they shared many memories with their family on yearly anniversary trips to Cape May, New Jersey.
Faith was at the center of Chris’s life. A deeply spiritual man, he served proudly as a Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Boonton, and lived his beliefs through service, kindness, and humility.
Chris had a zest for life that never faded. He ran marathons, including the New York City Marathon, and stayed active at the YMCA even taking a part-time job there in retirement just to stay moving and social. He was always making others laugh, with a sense of humor that could light up any room.
But above all else, Chris adored his family. His grandchildren were the lights of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them from silly stories to tight hugs and joyful laughter. His legacy lives on in their bright eyes and kind hearts.
Chris is survived by his devoted wife, Rose Pruden; his loving children, Jennifer (Andrew) Buehler, Jeff (Meghan) Pruden, and Kerri (Sean) Humphreys; and his cherished grandchildren, Siena, Chase, Charlize, and Korra who will soon be welcomed into this world. He is also survived by his brother, Keith Pruden, and many extended family members and friends. Although we are deeply saddened by Chris’s passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents and siblings who went before him.
In honor of Chris’s generous spirit, donations can be made to the Interfaith Food Pantry Network or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation via inmemof.org.
Due to the unexpected but joyful early arrival of Chris’s newest grandchild, service dates are subject to change. We kindly ask that you check back daily and even hourly as we approach the scheduled times, as services may be moved to the following week. Hours of public visitation for Chris will be held on Thursday, June 12th, from 4 to 8 PM at Norman Dean home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, June 13th at 10:00AM at St. Mary`s Church, Denville, NJ. Interment will follow at Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Boonton, NJ. Please join us to celebrate his life, and leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Chris’s light shine!
