In Loving Memory of Carl Malcolm Kumpf Sr.
June 14, 1939 – September 26, 2025
Carl Malcolm Kumpf Sr., beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 86, in his home in Westfield, NJ.
Born in Buffalo NY, Carl was the eldest of three siblings and a lifelong advocate for education and community service. He earned his Undergraduate degree in Education from Newark State College and his master’s degree in education from Columbia University. He spent over four decades in education, first in the classroom and then as a principal at J. Ackerman Coles Elementary School in Scotch Plains NJ, inspiring generations of students with his passion for elementary and special education.
Carl’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness touched everyone he met. He was active in the Scotch Plains PTA, in the library community including acting as Board Chairman of the Scotch Plains Public Library and the NJ Principals and Supervisors Association where he ended his tenure there as President. When he wasn’t volunteering, he could always be found spending time with his kids, working on house projects, participating in and winning car shows and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Upon retirement, Carl loved spending time with his grandchildren and encouraging them in everything they did. In fact, you could hear him whistle his encouragement from a mile away!! He also took great pride being able to deliver “just the right” birthday card to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his four children, Carl Kumpf, Jr. (Cristina), Scott Kumpf (Heather), Mark Kumpf and Kimberly Robbins (Steve); his grandchildren, Carl III, Cayla, Hayley, Mary Deane, Cole, Elaine, Shelby, Katie and Kenny; and his brothers John and Fred. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Mary Deane Kumpf.
A celebration of Carl’s life were held on Wednesday, October 1st from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a service at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave, Fanwood, NJ 07023. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Carl M. Kumpf Memorial Scholarship. Please make the checks payable to: “The Scotch Plains- Fanwood Scholarship Foundation”. Please write Carl M. Kumpf Memorial Scholarship on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: The Scotch Plains- Fanwood Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 123 Fanwood, NJ 07023.
His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
