Obituary of Aadu Voorand

Aadu Voorand, 65, of Jackson, NJ entered into rest peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Friday, April 9, 2010 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), a military service connected disease. Of Estonian descent, he was born on December 18, 1944 in a Nazi concentration camp in Berlin during World War II. His family was captured in Berlin as they were traveling to Sweden and was confined as alien prisoners. They escaped during an allied bombing and fled on a train heading for Switzerland. They hid out near the border until the liberation and came to the United States in 1948 after spending three years in a displaced persons camp. Aadu became a naturalized citizen of the US in 1961 at the age of 16. He was a true American Patriot who appreciated life in the United States and the freedom that it provided. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for a four-year tour of duty and became a radio repairman during his two tours in Vietnam. He earned the rank of Sergeant and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the RVN Cross of Gallantry, the Good Conduct Medal and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge. His family appreciates his sacrifice to his country during those years and during the challenging year fighting his service-connected illness. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. Aadu attended Bob Jones University studying Theology and Essex County College where he received a degree in Police Science. He was a parishioner of St. Robert Bellermane church in Freehold. He had a 40-year career working in Security, first as a Loss Prevention Manager for Bambergers/Macys and then with the County of Monmouth before becoming disabled by ALS. He coached North Howell Little League, Freehold Pop Warner Football and Howell Hawks Basketball. He never missed one of his children's games, or recitals throughout their entire elementary and high school years of dancing, dance competitions, cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball and football. He taught his children to follow the letter of the law, to always give their best and never, ever give up and that things always work out for the best. He was a fan of the Eagles, the Phillies, Mac computers and hip hop music and will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, his quick wit, his life of the party attitude and his amazing knack for mastering computers and technology without any formal training. Aadu was predeceased by his parents, Eduard and Tiiu. He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Bridget Barbara Voorand, his loving daughter Barbara Bridget Voorand of New York City, his son and daughter-in-law Eric and Sparkle Voorand of East Windsor, his sisters and brother-in laws Anu and Tim Townsend and Reet and Randy Fidler of Maryland, his sisters and brothers-in-laws Josephine and Vincent Giordano of Princeton and Joseph and Paula Barbara of California, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and countless long time friends, who together with his more recent neighbors and friends at Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes in Jackson got him and his family through this past year of challenges with their love and support. He was an inspiration to all around him as he courageously battled a horrific illness. His deep spirituality and acceptance of "the hand that was dealt him" allowed anyone who was in his presence to witness his bravery from his diagnosis and as the symptoms progressed so rapidly. He constantly humbled those around him with his conviction, pride, power, strength and patriotism as he continued to work and to live his life to the fullest, all without any complaint. He has been referred to as a hero, a warrior, a giant, a champion and the best husband and father ever. His memory will live in our hearts, always make us smile and forever bring us joy. Aadu, God took you home to prove that he only takes the best. You always promised that you'd be working security at the gates of heaven and will be checking ID'S when we meet you there. You promised that you would reserve a water lot and that when we are reunited, our tears will turn to joy. Rest in peace dear Aadu. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 9:00 AM for his rite of committal, followed by his 10:00 AM funeral mass at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Interment will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Aadu, may be made to Joan Dancy and PALS, c/o Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701 and would be appreciated. For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.