Heights' Dr. Burnett Eglow, Community Leader, Dies at 88

Hasbrouck Heights' Dr. Burnett Eglow, an optometrist, former longtime Board of Education trustee, and founding member of the Kiwanis Club, died Friday, June 7. He was 88 years old.

"He was a legend. He was a part of the Boulevard," said Joe Costa of Costa Funeral Home on Friday.

As news of his passing spread Friday, many posted tributes to Eglow on Facebook calling him a "great man" and "a good man with a great heart."

"'Burnie' will never be completely gone for me as I will remember him for the exceptional human being he was and the epitome of a life well lived," said Mayor Rose Heck of her friend of almost 50 years.

Eglow was born in Newark and moved to Hasbrouck Heights in 1954. He opened his eye care business on the Boulevard in 1953 where it remains today.

"He was an avid reader, community leader, great optometrist, history buff, library board trustee, and loyal friend," she added.

Eglow was well known throughout town for his tireless services to the community and to helping others. He helped start the Hasbrouck Heights Kiwanis Club and kept it going for 60 years, serving as president six times.

He once told Patch about the "“We are not here because we selfishly want praise. I always felt that those who simply serve to extol themselves is a sin.”  To Eglow, “the object of being in a service club is to serve.”

Over the years Eglow had been recognized for his community service efforts having been named "citizen of the year" and "man of the year" by the VFW, the Lions Club and others.

"He personally helped so many in need without fanfare; the spirit of giving came so naturally to him. Doc Eglow was always there when you needed him and loved to share with one and all his experiences and knowledge, in a loving and unpretentious way," said the mayor.

Eglow served on the Board of Education for 33 years, having been elected 11 times. The media center at the high school bears his name.

Eglow is survived by his wife Alyce and their son Todd. Visitation will be held at Costa Funeral Home on the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

There will be also be a service at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. Costa Funeral Home.

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