Kevin Force

It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin Christopher Force announces that he entered into eternal rest on Sept. 30, 2025 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 71.

Kevin, a longtime resident of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, was born on May 26, 1954, to loving parents Karl and Lorraine (nee Smith) Force.

He was raised in West Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from West Orange High School.

Kevin proudly owned The Bagel Box in West Orange for many years during which he was able to serve the community, schools, create life-long friendships and fondly allowed his young daughters to have free reign after-hours to make bagels alongside him. If you mentioned The Bagel Box, chances are someone would smile and say, “I know Kevin.”

In 2001, Kevin met the love of his life Mary Ann on a blind date and they married on July 11, 2009. Their years together were filled with love, laughter and unwavering companionship.

Kevin loved classic cars, the beach; especially Cape May and Spring Lake where he spent many years vacationing with his wife. Their late dog, Max, brought him years of joy- highlighting his love for animals. He enjoyed bike riding, long walks and never turned down a good bowl of ice cream. Above all, he cherished his family deeply.

Kevin will be remembered for his easygoing spirit, compassion, and remarkable generosity. He was the kind of person who always put others first and found joy in bringing happiness to those around him.

Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann (nee Kolano); his daughters, Rebecca Delgado, and her husband, Alex, and Kimberly Pettenati and her husband, Jack; his stepchildren, Courtney Hengemuhle and her husband, Matt, and Brian Ruscin; his precious grandchildren, Marciano and Amelia Delgado, John-Paul and Callum Pettenati, and Siena and Xander Hengemuhle; his brother, Harold Force, and his wife, Denise; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Force, and other family members and friends.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Alan Force.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 30, at 10:30am at Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould St., Verona.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Kevin’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation would be greatly appreciated. (https://www.michaeljfox.org.)

Condolences, memories and pictures can be uploaded to his obituary at www.ProutFuneralHome.com