Roseland, Livingston Mourn For Longtime Community Leader, Louis LaSalle

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A longtime public servant and community leader with several connections to Essex County passed away last week: Louis LaSalle.

LaSalle, a Roseland resident, died peacefully at his home on Dec. 23, according to his obituary.

LaSalle – who had several ties to Roseland – also served for many years on the Livingston Chamber of Commerce.

A U.S. Army veteran, LaSalle earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rutgers University and an MBA in finance from Seton Hall University. He later worked in the health care industry with RWJBarnabas Health, serving as an “unofficial ambassador” even after he retired.

LaSalle served as a council member and chair of the planning board in Roseland. His hometown lowered its flag to half-staff at borough buildings on Dec. 23 in his honor. Flags will remain lowered through Jan. 2.

“Lou was one of the few people you could say had a case to rightfully earn the nickname: Mr. Roseland,” Mayor James Spango said.

“Our entire borough will remember Lou LaSalle for his over half a century of public service and volunteerism and thank his family for sharing him with us,” the mayor added.

According to his obituary, LaSalle racked up several honors for his community service. They included:

“With over 100 awards of honorable distinction, his most notable contributions include decades of service to the American Heart Association as the first Chairman of the Board, American Red Cross, North Essex Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Essex County Parks Foundation, Save Turtle Back Zoo Committee eventually naming him the Amazing Asia Exhibit Honoree, East Orange Hall of Fame Inductee, and the NJ Icon Award - celebrating leaders over 60-years-old. He was truly humbled by being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) from Caldwell University.”

“Above all, notwithstanding a lifetime of professional and civic accomplishment, Mr. LaSalle cherished the time spent with his family,” his obituary continues. “He was a loving and supportive husband and proud father, whose presence was marked by constancy, encouragement, and deep devotion.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. offered a message of remembrance for LaSalle.

“We lost a great friend and public servant today with the passing of Lou LaSalle,” DiVincenzo wrote. “Lou embodied volunteerism and giving back to his community; alongside his extended career with RWJBarnabas Health, he served as our longtime chairman of the Essex County Parks Foundation and a member of the Parks Commission and Blue Ribbon Commission that recommended Turtle Back Zoo remain open.”

“Whenever I needed something, I could always count on Lou stepping forward, and our Essex County Parks System looks as great as it does today because of his involvement and partnership,” DiVincenzo said.

“Lou left a great legacy of selflessly contributing to his community, an example that I hope others will be inspired to follow,” DiVincenzo added.

Monte Ehrenkranz of the Livingston Chamber of Commerce also remembered LaSalle with fondness.

“Lou always had a story to tell, whether it was a quote from his mother or sharing advice such as what side of your jacket lapel that you should wear a name tag on,” Ehrenkranz said.

“As a fixture in Livingston for many years, Lou will be missed – but remembered – for a long time by the many people in this community that he met and helped at the hospital when asked,” Ehrenkranz said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com