Obituary of Edward Gerth Van Wyck

Edward Gerth VanWyck passed away after a brief illness on January 11, 2026. He was 77 years old.

Born in Somerville, NJ, to parents Edward G. and Eunice VanWyck, Gerth was a longtime Peapack-Gladstone area resident, finally settling down in Bernardsville for the past 15 years. 

Gerth graduated from Bernards High School and, knowing that college was not for him, he got a job with Patsy Dante, who was then responsible for the gardens at the Leonard J. Buck estate, long before it became part of the Somerset County Park Commission.  It was there he learned that he had a gift for making things grow and that he loved that work.  Gerth went on to create and maintain beautiful gardens for many estates in the area.  His work was also seen for many years at the annual Gladstone Driving Event for the United States Equestrian Team and was recognized in gardening journals.  Throughout, Gerth was known for his work ethic and loyalty to his employers and patrons.

In his spare time, Gerth had a large model railroad display that he enjoyed working on and continually improving - he delighted in making special displays for holidays. He was also a music lover and an avid amateur drummer.

Gerth is predeceased by his parents, Edward G. and Eunice VanWyck. He is survived by his daughter, Erica Higuera (s. Mark) sisters, Diane VanWyck (s. Frank Repas) and Ann Lesnewich (s. Bob), nephew Greg Lesnewich (s. Rachel Adam), niece Kim Lesnewich (s. Rick Quandt) and two grand-nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 4-7pm at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack.  He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge.