Robert (Bob) S. Kaplan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) S. Kaplan, 86, of Princeton, NJ, on April 26, 2026.

Born in New York City and raised in Sunnyside and Woodhaven, Bob was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned his BA degree from Queens College and went on to earn a MA in Urban Planning in North Carolina. He started his career in Baltimore, MD, then in Camden and Newark, where he worked for HUD (the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development).

Throughout his life Bob preferred the scenic route to the fastest road — a fitting description of a life lived with curiosity and purpose. With his daughters, Karen and Debbie, Bob was a thoughtful listener and steady source of guidance.

While on a hike Bob met his beloved wife, Barbara. At the end of the hike before she drove away, Bob asked for her phone number, and that led to nearly 35 years of marriage filled with companionship, travel, and deep love.

After living 30 years in Caldwell, NJ, Bob and Barbara moved to Princeton Windrows, a community near his daughters Karen and Debbie. In the community he planned trips and activities, and he continued his love of hiking, biking, gardening, birding, travel, reading, and photography — some of which earned awards.

Bob was deeply committed to his values, marching for civil rights in the 1960s and more recently attending a rally in Princeton with his grandson Adam.

Though an only child, Bob built a large and loving family who will remember him for his kindness, intellect, and adventurous spirit. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the journeys he inspired.

He is survived by Barbara, his children, Karen Chu (Chris), Debbie (Brad Teach), their mother Lilian Gaber Kaplan, and Barbara’s sons Charles Hopp (Sara) and Robert Hopp (Sherri). His grandchildren, Kayla, Jared, Adam, Tyler, Kyle, Dalyla, Nelson, Siobhhan, and Sophie were a source of joy to him. His granddaughter Lydia predeceased him.

Funeral services were held on April 29 at The Jewish Center of Princeton, with burial at Princeton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are respectfully requested to: Doctors Without Borders, Anti-Defamation League, Chai Lifeline, and Queens College Foundation.

Arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences, please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Robert-Kaplan.

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Preston R Eckmeder, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Preston R. Eckmeder, Jr., beloved husband and father, all around newspaper man, and cherished friend, who left this world peacefully on April 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 9, 1931, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Preston was a longtime Hopewell Valley resident and for the past 31 years a resident of Solebury Township, PA.

Preston was a United States Army veteran. He was employed for 35 years by Town Topics newspaper in Princeton, NJ, holding almost every position possible from photographer, sports and crime writer, ad man, and sometimes delivery person. He truly loved his job and looked forward to going to work every day.

His faith and belief in God were of utmost importance to him. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, Forest Grove, PA.

Predeceased by his parents, Preston R. and Jane (Johnson) Eckmeder, Sr.; his first wife Carole Eckmeder; sister and brother-in-law, June and David Hoeschele.

Preston is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Carol Eckmeder; six children and their spouses, Bruce and Jenny Eckmeder, Lynn and Chanh Tran, Amy Elliott, Richard and Christina Eckmeder, Carrie and Vince Mulray, Robert and Christine Patterson. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, seven of whom are married, and 12 great-grandchildren. From a blended family of eight, he ended up blessed by one of nearly 50. He loved being with his family.

Graveside services were held privately at the Harbourton Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, 1856 Forest Grove Road, Furlong, PA 18925, with a receiving line beginning at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Preston’s memory may be made to the Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Blackwell Memorial Home, Pennington, NJ.

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Oriel Kathleen Elizabeth Quinlan

Oriel Kathleen Elizabeth Quinlan (née Somerville) was born in 1943 in London, England, to Ormond and Edith Somerville. She was the second of four girls, a younger sister to Vivienne and an older sister to Rosemary and Geraldine.

Oriel had an adventurous spirit, moving to Washington, D.C., alone at age 21 to work as a secretary. She then relocated by herself to Rome, where she lived for three years and worked at the UN. On a visit back to the States, she met and married her husband of 52 years, David Quinlan. Oriel and David had one daughter, Blythe, born in NYC in 1976.

From 1977 on, Oriel lived in the Princeton area and spent decades doing extensive volunteer work with Princeton Hospital, the YWCA, HiTops, Loaves and Fishes, Families in Transition, Eastern Service Workers Association, and more. She loved opera and theatre, and was passionate about U.S. politics even before becoming a citizen in 1992.

Oriel was a devoted friend, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, wife, and mother. For the last 20 years she has been a full-time doting grandmother to her four grandchildren, Cyrus, ChengHai, Ivy, and XinLe Cordle.

Oriel is survived by her husband, daughter, grandchildren, and sisters, along with much extended family and many dear friends.

There will be a memorial at the Princeton Marriot at Forrestal on May 30 at 2 p.m.

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Marjorie Goebel Wallace

Marjorie Goebel Wallace, “Happy,” 89, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully at home on May 1 with her children Chris and Margie by her side. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Jack Wallace, who died exactly one year prior. The beautiful timing of this reunion of Happy and Jack is a continued celebration of their loving partnership.

She was also predeceased by her parents, Marjorie Jones Goebel, Amy Downing Goebel, and Herman “Hank” Goebel and her son John, who died from AIDS in 1990. In addition to her children, Happy is survived by her son-in-law, Peter; daughter-in-law Elizabeth, six grandchildren: Chris Gibson (Katie Kwon-Gibson), Katie Gibson, Cordy Gibson, Coby Gibson, John Wallace, and Lila Wallace; and her great-granddaughter Lucie Kwon-Gibson.

Happy was born in Cincinnati, OH, on November 24, 1936....

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