:Chip Kretsch, co-owner of Ponyexpress Antiques in Flemington and at General Heath's, Adamstown, Penn., died suddenly on April 11. He was 64.
Born Ground Hog Day, 1945, his passion was antiques. Chip dealt in antiques since 1974, and he often described how when he got to Brimfield that year, they told him he was five years too late. But he loved the market, never missing a May in Brimfield since.
He recently noted he never thought he would still be in "it" [antiques] 35 years later, but he was — and he still enjoyed the hunt, the dealing and the enhancing of the items we bought. When asked what we looked for, our reply was "toys-pre 1930s, country store, clocks and advertising, or anything that had a 'good look'."
We always tried to buy only quality pieces, or ones we could bring back to quality. We never really collected, as eventually all items would be for sale. Chip always guarded his reputation, knowing honesty and respect were important for a dealer.
He was a member of the NAWCC since 1979, and primarily dealt in American weight-driven regulators and advertising clocks. He also was member of the ACME (Coffee Grinder Association), AAAA and TIAS.
All through his life, in whatever situation he was in, he always made conversation, asking questions and delving into the lives of others, to the extent that those close to us used to jibe, "What are you, writing a book?" But more importantly, it always brought smiles to others, and changed a stranger into a friend. We always found out the best restaurants and where to shop the antiques in any given area.
He was always true to his friends. He was always extending a hand to help, or expressing his opinion on things. And no matter the time between seeing friends, he still had the same devotion and interest, as if he had seen them only yesterday. He was proud of his friends and their accomplishments.
Growing up in Paterson, Wayne and Little Falls, N.J., he lived in Paramus, Ridgewood and Flemington. He worked for Singer-Kearfott Guidance & Navigation for 31 years in the materials and processing laboratory, and was a member of the flying club.
He served in the Navy, and was on the USS Essex and USS Forrestal carriers during the Vietnam War, and in the European theater. Most recently he was an inspector at the Flemington motor vehicle inspection station.
His second passion was cars; he was a member of PCA, having owned several Porsches over the years, and the Street Rod Association. He was a member of the American Legion and NRA.
Chip was multifaceted in both his interests and his abilities. This excerpt of his life only touches on a few of his loves. Each of you will remember him differently, but all of you will remember him, his smile and his zest for living life.
He is survived by his partner, Liz Gears, his mother, Millie Koza and all his friends and acquaintances who shared his passions.
—Liz Gears
