Harold Nafash

“Sometimes, only one person is missing and the whole world seems depopulated.”

NAFASH – Harold age 72 of Ringwood, formerly of Bergenfield & Hasbrouck Heights on April 10, 2021. Beloved husband of Jean Nafash.  Devoted father of Lisa-Marie O. Lynn and her husband Robert Lynn, Nicole A. Malizia and her husband Anthony Malizia, and Melissa H. Nafash.  Loving grandfather of Tyler Lynn, Alexis Lynn, Vincent Malizia, Angelina Malizia, and Brayden Pagan. Supportive brother-in-law of June Baker, Eileen Baker, and Diane Nafash. Loyal and faithful friend to many. Pre-deceased are his parents Olga & Henry Nafash, mother-in-law Angelina Baker, sister Joan Nafash, brother Robert Nafash, brother-in-law Michael Baker, and special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Harold was raised in Union City until the age of 3, when his family moved to Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.  He graduated Hasbrouck Heights High School in 1966 and began his rise in both his personal and professional life through Fairleigh Dickinson University, the United States Marine Corps, and his life-long career in commercial real estate.  Commanding a territory from Delaware to Maine, Harold worked with Hanson Development, Melville, Forest City Ratner, Home Depot, Lowe's Home Improvement, Federal Realty Investment Trust, and Nafco Associates.  He was appointed Chairman of the Planning Committee of the International Council of Shopping Centers and a Commissioner for the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.  Aside from enjoying his time as an avid golfer, traveler, and wine enthusiast, Harold dedicated his free time to enhancing and developing his hometown community as a Little League Baseball Coach, President of the Bergenfield Swim Club, Councilman and Council President, Police Commissioner, and Fire Commissioner.  He was also intimately involved with his church where he sat on the Board of Elders, the Session, and was Head of the Finance Committee.  Despite all that he accomplished outside of his home, Harold was well-known and deeply loved as a family man.  His happiest moments were spent together with his family enjoying meals, movies, Broadway plays, vacations, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company.  Of all the titles he held, he truly cherished husband, dad, and papa the most.  He is greatly missed by his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, grandkids, extended family, and friends.  He leaves behind a legacy of distinguished character and faith. 

Wake will be held at Riewerts Funeral Home, 187 S. Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ on April 15, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Funeral and Church Service will be held at South Presbyterian Church, 150 W. Church St., Bergenfield, NJ at 11:00 a.m.