Life Story: Arnold Vernick, 84; Former Environmental Commission Chairman

Arnold Vernick passed away on July 22 following a long illness. He was 84 years old.

Born in in Jackson Heights, NY, Arnold resided with his family in Elizabeth  and River Vale before retiring to Franklin Township 13 years ago.

Mr. Vernick graduated from Queens College, went on to Columbia University for his Civil Engineering degree and received his Master’s degree from NYU. During his 45 years of experience as a consulting environmental expert in the emerging environmental engineering field, he was employed by Burns and Roe of Oradell and went on to become a Vice President at ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller in Rochelle Park.

Arnold was very active in working on the original EPA regulations that today protect water quality in our environment, and contributed to various textbooks and handbooks that are used in the environmental engineering field. He was a Diplomate in the American Society of Civil Engineers and served in the US Public Health Service Reserve Corps for many years. He was also Trustee on the Board of the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions.

In his home towns, Mr. Vernick served as a member of the River Vale Planning Board and Board of Adjustment for over 15 years. After moving to Somerset Run, he was appointed chairman of the Franklin Township Environmental Commission and served for over 10 years.

Arnold was an avid sports fan who enjoyed golfing, biking, and his first love, NY Giants Football. He loved to travel and did so extensively in business consulting with governments in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa regarding environmental issues.

He is survived by Lynne, his wife of 54 years, and his two sons Jeffrey and Kenneth Vernick. He is also survived by his in laws, Nitra McAuliffe, Alan and Ellen Bowin, Mark and Diane Bowin; nieces and nephews Robb and Jill Kushner, Leslie Brittle, Dr. Robert Scharfman and his wife Linda, Drs. Renee and Phillip Kohanski, niece Mira Bowin and great nieces and nephews Matt and Lauren Kushner, Frannie Brittle, Liz and Ethan Dropkin, and Katie and Matt McKenzie, David and Anna Kohanski and Adam and Matthew Scharfman. Mr. Vernick was pre deceased by his sister Milani Lee.

Services will take place on Tuesday at 11 AM at Somerset Hill Memorial Park Chapel, 95 Mt Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, with graveside service to follow.

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