Obituary of Walter J. Luger

Walter J. Luger passed-away on August 17, 2007. Mr. Luger was a former Morris County Freeholder, having served as a Freeholder from 1980 to 1989. He was also the former Mayor of Denville and he was a long time resident of Denville. He is survived by his wife, Annette, of Denville, by three sons (Walter G., Michael J. and Stephen M.) and by three grandchildren (Michael, Kristen and Taylor). He is also survived by his sisters Helen Spreizer, Elizabeth Lerch, both of Long Island and his brother John Luger of Floral Park. Mr. Luger was a self-made success in his life despite relatively humble beginnings. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and after being discharged, he obtained his B.S. in Business from Hofstra University. After moving to Denville in 1968, with his wife and 3 young sons, he soon became active in local Denville politics and from 1976 to 1979 he served as the Mayor of Denville. He served with integrity and with distinction, and he truly cared about everyone who lived in Denville. Through his efforts, the Denville Senior Citizen Center was built and substantial, new businesses relocated to Denville. In 1980, Mr. Luger was elected and served the residents of Morris County for 9 years as a Member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. Mr. Luger was a strong advocate for the residents of Morris County, he was not afraid to speak his mind on sometimes controversial issues, and he loved being able to serve the people of Morris County. After leaving political life in 1989, he remained active with the Denville Republican Club and he served as the Chairman of Denville's Board of Adjustment for a number of years. He was also the past President of the Kiwanis Club of Denville. Mr. Luger had a quick-wit and boyish-charm that endeared him to people whose lives he touched. He retired from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in the late 1990s and focused on helping to raise his three (3) grandchildren. Even after being retired, he was often seen on the floor playing happily with his young grandchildren. Mr. Luger was also an avid outdoorsman and a fan of opera and classical music. It is said that the true measure of a persons life is whether the world has been made a better place because of that persons contributions. Mr. Luger certainly left Denville, Morris County, and New Jersey in a much better place because he cared about people and whether through politics, volunteerism, or his charm and quick-wit, he touched many lives. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, however, his spirit of integrity and service to others will remain always. Funeral from the Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave. Denville, NJ on Friday Aug. 24, 2007 at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial Service at St. Marys RC Church in Denville, NJ. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Donations are being accepted to St. Clares Foundation 75 Bloomfield Ave. Denville, NJ 07834. Visit www.normandean.com to leave an online condolence on his obituary.