Obituary of Joseph G. Lutz
Joseph G. Lutz passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Brightview Senior Living in Randolph. He had shared 91 years of love, laughter, wisdom, generosity, and memories with family and friends.
Born in Bayonne to the late John and Crescentia Lutz, Joe was one of four children to bless the Lutz household. He was raised alongside his sisters, Cris, Rosemarie (Skipper) and Peggy in Livingston. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Caldwell, Class of 1950, where he was a member of the NJ Drill Team of the Civil Air Patrol. Joe then proudly served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany and the supply ship USS Chourre. He traveled to many countries including, Cuba, Philippines, Turkey, Japan and Korea. Some highlights of his service were receiving a Good Conduct Medal, sailing around Cape Horn and crossing the International Date Line. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1954. Joe married his first wife, Carol Jean Stumpf, on May 3, 1953. The happy couple settled in Caldwell and began a family of their own. Unfortunately, Carol passed away in 1964 and left Joe a single Dad with two young daughters. Because God is good, when the time was right, he found an amazing woman with two children who had also been widowed. These two families became one when Anne and Joe were married on August 18, 1967. Their family then grew with the birth of their daughter, Joanne. Family traditions included fun-filled vacations at the Jersey Shore and working at the Nettie Ochs Cider Mill. These memories will be forever treasured.
Joe was a hard worker, dedicated volunteer, and continuously made the world a better place. As a man of many gifted talents, he could build or fix anything and was especially proud of a wine cellar he designed and built. Joe began his civilian career as a lithographer. Subsequently, he was the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the North Caldwell and Montclair School Systems. Joe was an avid gardener with a love of roses. He was passionate about his antique gun collection and was a member of the NJ Arms Collectors Club, National Rifle Association, Association of NJ Rifle & Pistol Clubs and Shongum Sportsman Association. He was an award-winning international marksman. Joe was a member of the VFW post 2856 in Livingston and proudly marched in the annual Memorial Day parade for 60 years. Always a humble and caring man, he would help anyone who needed a hand; even a stranger stranded on the highway. His sweetest hobby was baking his famous chocolate chip and linzer tart cookies for friends and family. Truly a one-of-a-kind gentleman.
His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his adored children, Judy Lutz, Tricia Pardini, Tommy (Inga) Lutz, Cathy (Jim) Novak, and Joanne Lutz; his cherished grandchildren, Marina (Matt), Bobby (Olivia), Corey, Caylah (Miles), and Ryan (Ally); his precious great-grandchildren, Wilder, Lila, Wylie, Rocco, and Milo; his loving sister, Peggy Lutz; his dear friend, Kathy Mack; and many more extended family and friends. He joins Carol, Anne, his parents, two departed siblings and dear friends in Heaven.
Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 18th from 3 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 19th at 10:30 am at St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemof.org to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or any charity of your choice. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Joe here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine.
