Ivan Garris

Ivan Garris, known as Van, of Bergenfield, NJ, passed away on January 30, 2025 at age 73. 

Van grew up in Paterson, NJ and was raised by his mother Betty Garris, who predeceased him. He played football for Eastside High School and for the Hawthorne Chevies Football League. He also played minor league baseball for the Clifton Phillies and the semi-pro Emerson- Westwood Merchants. 

Van moved to Pompton Plains, NJ with his first wife Joan Garris to raise their daughter Kimberlee. He worked in construction, was a beloved coach of youth and high school sports, and a dedicated “dance dad” to his daughter.

In 2000, Van married his late wife Jane Louise Garris, and together they resided in Bergenfield, NJ and Chesterfield, VA. He was stepfather to Danielle Tulgar and husband Kaan, Nicole Nicita, and John Certa.

Van was grandfather to Kimberlee and husband Ben Smith’s two children, a step grandfather to four, and a step great-grandfather to three. He was brother to Lonnie Siemonsma and her husband Tom, and Randy Garris.

Visiting hours will be at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 S. Washington Avenue in Bergenfield, NJ, on Tuesday, February 11 from 9:30am-11:00am, followed by a private funeral service at George Washington Memorial Cemetery in Paramus NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated.