Larry Brand

Larry Gene Brand of Caldwell, NJ passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday, June 11, 2026 after a brief illness. Larry leaves behind a legacy of deep love & support for his family and was a model of strong work ethic and resolve.

Larry grew up in West Milford, New Jersey and lived in the Caldwell area for most of his adult life. He was born in 1953 in New York City and as a youngster he helped his grandparents in their Bronx bakery. The family later moved to West Milford, NJ where Larry attended elementary school and graduated from West Milford High School. He started his career, even before graduating high school, working as an auto mechanic with his father at Lou’s Automotive in Warwick, NY. He later worked at Warwick Dodge, Yoppy’s in Bloomingdale and retired from Jordan Transportation. Larry was a talented and sought-after auto mechanic by trade, who continued to use his skills to help family and friends throughout his life.

At heart Larry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who loved animals. As a child he rescued an injured racoon and raised it as his pet, “Racky”. Racky lived in his home and Larry learned a lot about the intelligence of raccoons while Racky lived there and played with the family dog and cat. As an adult, Larry was particularly bonded with the three basset hounds that he owned at different points in his life. More recently, he made sure to familiarize his grandchildren with all types of creatures – worms and bugs living in the mud, salamanders under rocks. He spent hours in the backyard with Charlotte & Jack, looking for and teaching them about all types of living things, even spiders, which he intensely disliked.

Larry’s passion was fishing and he could often be found in the surf at Sandy Hook or on a party boat leaving from Atlantic Highlands, NJ. He particularly enjoyed imparting fishing knowledge and advice to others, as well as telling stories of his adventures fishing and talking to other fishermen. In his retirement he spent time volunteering at Fairfield Fishing Tackle and making lifelong friends. When his daughter was young he spent many hours teaching her fishing (and patience) and also ensured his grandchildren would be fisherpeople by gifting them fishing rods for their first birthdays, even before either of them could walk. Throughout his life, he made friends with many fishermen whose relationships he valued and appreciated.

Larry was active and passionate throughout his life. He was vibrant, opinionated and a great conversationalist. Larry loved history, learning about current events and was an amazing storyteller. He enjoyed a variety of music, particularly rock n’ roll, and was part of an eclectic music scene in the 70s. He loved to tell stories about attending the 1973 Watkins Glen Music festival, where, as one of his adventurers there, he woke up with a motorcycle parked over him. In addition to listening to music, going to Broadway musicals and attending operas Larry also dabbled in photography, including developing film in his self-made dark room in his basement. Larry was also a creative woodworker and created many fine pieces, including cabinets, furniture, music stands and many other items that can be found sprinkled around the homes of friends and family.

Most recently Larry spent every moment possible with his grandchildren; he often stopped by for short visits just before bedtime just to spend time with them and play, in addition to spending his free days helping take care of them.

Larry remained energetic throughout his life in spite of many physical challenges, and although he pursued many interests and hobbies, he always felt that family was most important in his life and he was steadfast in his prioritization of his family above all else. He never missed an opportunity to support those close to him. He was a selfless father, and grandfather who will be profoundly missed.

Larry is survived by his treasured daughter Jessica (Brand) Hood, his dear son-in-law, Jonathan Hood, and his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte Gene and Jonathan “Jack” Thomas, to whom he was devoted. He is also survived by his lifelong friend and partner, Jeanette DePalma. Larry is survived by his siblings Louis Brand (Debbie) and Susan Meriwether as well as by his niece Meghan (Rick) Bloomer, nephew Robert (Matthew) Meriwether. He also leaves behind many close relatives on the DePalma side of the family, including Lou Iozzi, Edie & Rick Garrow, MaryJo & Alexis Wereschagin, Anne & John Curcio and, on both sides, of the family many more cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry is predeceased by his parents, Louis and Jean (Noblett) Brand, and nephew Joshua Brand, as well as his sister-in-law Fran DePalma-Iozzi and brother-in-law John Wereschagin.

Though he is gone too soon, Larry leaves behind a legacy of love and support that is unmatched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation (www.T2T.org) or the Spondylitis Association of America (www.stopAS.org).

A service in celebration of Larry's life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm. The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell, 326 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006.