Obituary of Jan C. Tuyp
Jan C. Tuyp, 83, of Plainfield, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024 following a battle with cancer. Jan is survived by his loving daughter, Kimberly (Raymond) Felter of Pittsburgh, PA, and his daughter-in-law, Carol Ann Tuyp of South Plainfield; loving Opa to Nicholas Tuyp of South Plainfield, Allison (Nicholas) Pavey of South Plainfield, Ryan and Kevin Felter of Pittsburgh, PA. Jan is also survived by his siblings, Maartje Tol, Marietje Schilder, Huibje (Fred) Kwakman, Jannie (Marietje) Tuijp, Garie Tuijp, Aaf (Peter) Bergen, Klaas (Tini) Tuijp and Nellie Tuip, all of Volendam, The Netherlands, and many nieces and nephews.
Jan is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Agatha “Anja” Tuyp, his son, Paulus Tuyp, and his sister, Huibje Tuijp.
Born in Volendam, The Netherlands, Jan is the oldest of his siblings. Jan was a member of the Peace Corps through the Young Christian Workers and spent a few years in Africa in the early 1960’s building schools and churches. He immigrated to the United States with his late wife, Anja, in 1965 and settled in Plainfield. Together, they built a beautiful life in Plainfield full of friends and fun.
Jan was a 50+ year member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, receiving his gold life membership card in 2016. He was a member of Local 4-NJ and was known as “the Dutchman.” A gifted bricklayer, Jan was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, neighbors and friends and friends. His craftsmanship was unmatched and is all over the Tri-State area. The last project Jan worked on prior to retiring in 2003 was the addition and renovation project at St. Joseph High School in Metuchen (his son’s alma mater). He was the mason foreman on the project and he set and hand carved the building’s cornerstone. Jan was also known for his talents in painting and woodworking, especially in the construction of bird houses. He enjoyed his trips home to the Netherlands where he spent time with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Jan was quick witted and had a sense of humor all his own. The stories he had of his experiences were legendary and will live on by all who had the privilege of sharing a conversation with him.
Family and friends may gather in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield NJ 07080 on Saturday, June 15, from 1-4PM, a prayer service will begin at 3PM.