David J. Volk
March 5, 1962 -March 7, 2022
PERTH AMBOY – David J. Volk, 60, of Perth Amboy, passed away on March 7, 2022, at JFK Medical Center, Edison. David was the husband of Susan (Murawski) Volk for 37 years and father to daughters, Brittany (34) and Courtney (30) and son-in-law Bill. He was born in Johnstown, PA to the late Rev. David G. Volk and Carolyn (Baer). David lived in Perth Amboy for 33 years and was devoted to his family, friends, faith and public service.
David was a graduate of Perth Amboy High School, Class of 1980 where he was on the Varsity Football team and member of All-State Chorus. He could always be found working on the stage crew, set and lighting designs for the High School theatrical productions. As a “PK” (pastor’s kid) he was involved in the choir, plays and youth group activities at Grace Lutheran Church and was part of a close knit neighborhood of friends on Neville Street. He graduated from St. John’s University, NY in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications. David also served as a producer for Cablevision TV3.
From an early age he was fascinated with fire trucks and knew he wanted to be a fireman. In 1980, David joined the Keasbey Fire Department as a volunteer as well as the Perth Amboy Fire Department’s Volunteer Division. In 1987, he was hired by the city as a Firefighter. Appointed as the department’s initial Training Officer in 1991, David was promoted to Lieutenant (1999), Captain (2003), Battalion Chief (2008) and ultimately rose to become Chief of the Department (2009). David was a charter member for the Perth Amboy Fire Officers Association and served as an Assistant Fire Bureau Chief for the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management & Fire Marshal’s Office. He received many awards and recognitions including the 1997 Valor Award, the 1998 Team Effort award from the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation, and the Valor Award from the Professional Firefighter’s Association of NJ. Before and after his retirement in 2013, David was committed to teaching future generations of firefighters serving as an instructor with the Monmouth County Fire Academy. He was extremely proud to serve his community and cherished the lifelong friendships he made throughout his career.
David found a second career at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In 2015, he joined the team as a Safety Programs Coordinator for the Port Authority Trans Hudson Corporation (PATH). In 2017, he became the Principal Safety & Compliance Coordinator and in 2019 was promoted to Manager of System Safety & Environmental Management. David’s employees always spoke highly of him and his open door policy. He encouraged communication and cared about more than just the job.
David is survived by his wife, Susan (Murawski) Volk; his daughters, Brittany Volk and her partner Chris Morse and his children, Brayden, Scarlett and Thea, Courtney (Volk) Skinner and her husband, Bill; his siblings, Krista Volk, Paul Volk and wife Carol (Zeller) and their children, Hayden, Matthew and Jack and Sarah (Volk) Kozak, her husband Keith and their Children Graham and Kyle; in-laws Sandra, Margaret, James, JoAnn, Robert, Edward, Michele, Deborah and Carl; and nieces and nephews Jamie, Justin, Allison, Jennifer, Craig, Robert, Ariana, Ryan, Tyler, Judith, Katie, Mallorie, Thomas, Resa, and Shannon; predeceased by mother and father-in-law Joseph and Arlene; brother-in-laws Joseph and Thomas.
Visitation was held on Monday, March 14, 2022, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Flynn & Son Funeral Home in Fords, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 10:15 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 11:00 AM service at Grace Lutheran Church in Perth Amboy. Interment will be in St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Good Shepherd Home where his sister Krista lives. Donations “In memory of David Volk” can be made online at www.goodshepherdrehab.org/donate or by check to Good Shepherd, Development Department, 850 S. 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103, indicate on check donation is for the “Rev. David & Carolyn Volk Fund”.
