Obituary of Patricia Wald

Patricia (Pat) Wald, 89, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, after a life filled with faith, family, and service to others.

Born on April 24, 1937, in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Patricia was the beloved daughter of William and Lottie Kehoe. She was raised alongside her sister, Loretta, and though she would later make New Jersey her home, Brooklyn was never far from her thoughts and where her story began.

Soon after high school, Pat met the love of her life, Frank Wald, and the two were married in 1958 and settled in Edison, New Jersey. Patricia and Frank were blessed with three sons, who remained the center of their world. As their family grew, Patricia devoted countless hours to helping others. She was deeply involved in St Matthews church organizations,  PTA, Little League, Boy Scouts, and even participated in local government.  Always willing to lend a “helping hand”, Patricia believed that serving others was one of life's greatest callings. 

Pat’s extended community would “cast a net” far and wide to include Rutgers University, where she worked for over  25+ years. She was a Scarlet Knight for life and spent her professional career wearing many “hats” within multiple campuses in and around the University. Always “fighting” for her fellow union coworkers, Pat was part of the Union Executive Council in a leadership role. Whether negotiating contracts, handling disputes, or  representing thousands of staffers to secure fair treatment for all - she was a champion for the “worker” and recognized everyone’s contribution and value. On a lighter side, Patricia would join many social organizations - her time with the infamous “Red Hat” ladies were fondly remembered with countless stories of travel, camaraderie, and good cheer.

More than anything, Patricia will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her infectious Brooklyn spirit, and the unconditional love she shared with her family and friends. Her legacy is now carried on by her family; her son, Timothy Wald (Lynn), her grandchildren, Meghan (Ryan) Mulligan, Eric, Ryan, Cody, Cheyenne, Laura, her sister, Lorretta Cavaliere, nieces and nephews as well as a wealth of friends who will remember her fondly. Patricia is now reunited with those who passed before her; her beloved husband, Frank Wald, and her cherished sons, William Wald (Sheila), and Robert Wald.

Hours of public visitation for Patricia will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 12 to 4 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 6, at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church of Denville, with an interment service to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery of East Hanover. As Pat would have wanted - All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of this incredible - Mom, Sister, Aunt, Coworker, Neighbor, Friend!