Obituary of Allan R Papp

Allan Raymond Papp (1954-2024)

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 

The man. The myth. The legend. Allan Raymond Papp, 70, of Bridgewater, NJ, passed away at home on September 22, 2024. Allan was born in Jersey City to parents Raymond and Jacqueline Papp and was raised in North Arlington, where he enjoyed a childhood filled with many intrepid (and at times risky) adventures with his five siblings. He developed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, and his first business endeavors included painting fire escapes and making Christmas wreaths which he supplied to local florists in the North Arlington area.

Allan graduated from Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington in 1972 and went on to study Economics and Business at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, where he graduated in 1976. He was the owner of Papp Iron Works in Plainfield, originally founded in Jersey City by his father and uncle in 1948, for 40 years. Under his leadership, the steel fabrication and erection firm left an indelible mark on the Manhattan and New Jersey skylines by providing ironwork inside many of the area’s most notable buildings. The projects Allan was proudest of include Frank Gehry’s “8 Spruce St” and “One Vanderbilt” (NYC), “77 Hudson”, “101 Hudson”, the Goldman Sachs Tower, Newport Tower, Crystal Point, and NJ’s tallest building “99 Hudson” (Jersey City), as well as dozens of other skyscrapers plus schools, universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, corporate office buildings, and casinos. He also founded Architectural Iron Designs, Inc. (AIDI), a nationwide distribution company, and was an Officer of the NJ Steel Association and the Construction Committee Chairperson at Faith, Bricks & Mortar, where he was responsible for the creation of multiple affordable housing units in the city of Plainfield. 

A philanthropist and resident of Bridgewater for 35 years, Allan felt strongly about giving back to his local community. He was a former Chairman of the Bridgewater Parks Advisory Board as well as a former Committee Chairman of Martinsville Boy Scout Troop 46, having earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout himself at the age of 17.

Allan was a Living Historian member of the Lamb’s Artillery gun crew and participated in countless Revolutionary War re-enactments throughout the state alongside his grandson, Aiden. He was also a member of the 6th Cavalry re-enactment group and loved attending events such as the Reading Airshow World War II Weekend with his son, Glenn. He considered himself an amateur historian and was a member of the NJ Highlands Historical Society, the North American Society of Industrial Archeology, Friends of Bridgewater History, and the Canal Society of NJ. 

Allan was a member of the Jaguar Touring Club and a lifelong collector and owner of classic Jaguars. He bought his first Jaguar, a 1968 E-Type roadster, 50 years ago (thanks to his success as a wreath supplier!) and drove it as far north as New Brunswick, Canada, to as far south as Key West, Florida. He was the owner of several historic trucks, a WWII armored vehicle, and steamboat “Saucey” on which he enjoyed many outings with his family. He was a member of the Somerset County Fish & Game Protective Association and NJ Live Steamers. An avid golfer, he was a former member of Fiddlers Elbow Country Club in Bedminster and took great pride in his hole-in-one at Baltusrol Golf Club.

A spirited adventurer, Allan crossed 40 countries off his travel bucket list. His first big adventure came right after graduating high school, when he and a friend rode their bicycles from New Jersey to Ottawa, Canada, camping along the way. He later went on to mountain bike 300 miles of the Continental Divide at the age of 50. He found much joy in exploring the wonders of the world, whether it was riding camels in Inner Mongolia, riding elephants in Rajasthan, wandering through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, navigating Morocco’s Labyrinthine Souks or taking a spontaneous dip in the Cretan Sea. He organized many incredible and unforgettable trips for his friends and family, creating lasting memories that we will hold dear to our hearts always.

Allan loved skiing, vanilla ice cream, the NY Jets, $2 bills, and his family. Not necessarily in that order. He hated washing dishes, arriving to airports on time, mass-produced art, and traffic lights. Not necessarily in that order. He had a knack for grilling steaks (“Oh, they’re done!”) and was always up for a good martini (or two – but never three) with blue cheese olives and the occasional cigar, which he enjoyed while recounting tall tales of his past adventures with friends. 

Above all, though, his greatest treasures were his family and the friendships he forged throughout his life. His true love was his wife of over 42 years, Anne, along with their children, Leah and Glenn. He especially cherished his pride and joy, his grandson Aiden, with whom he shared countless memorable experiences over the years.

Our family would like to extend a deep appreciation to the staff of New York Presbyterian, RWJ Somerset, Atlantic Visiting Nurse Hospice, and everyone who has provided care to Allan. We will be forever grateful for the support and kindness shown to our beloved husband, father and grandfather. 

In honor of Allan, we ask that you raise a toast to his memory. We hope his example inspires you to live life to the fullest, just as he always did.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Jacqueline, brothers Robert Papp and Barry Papp, and nephew Devin Papp. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne (née Wesner), daughter Leah Papp, son Glenn (Liliana) Papp, grandson Aiden Papp, brothers Timothy (Betsey) Papp and Thomas (Erika) Papp, sister Kathleen Papp, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ from 9:00 – 11:30 am with a service to immediately follow. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Allan’s name to the Sharing Network, a foundation dedicated to saving lives through better outcomes for organ transplant recipients.