Road Closure, Traffic For Retired WTPD Chief's Funeral

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Residents should expect road closures and heavy traffic this Saturday, as Washington Township's second police chief is laid to rest.

The funeral of Retired Police Chief George Kluetz will be Saturday, June 22. Fairview Avenue will be closed between Schooley's Mountain Road and Scenic Falls Road from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the funeral. Residents should expect heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area of Zion Church at that time.

Kluetz served as police chief for 23 years before his retirement in 1995. He was one of the founding members of the police department.

"He is credited with the growth and advancements in the department, which were required as the Township grew, and the demand for more officers was needed. He was a prominent figure in Washington Township, a leader, a mentor, and a friend, and he will be missed dearly," police said in a statement.

"For most of his adult life he was a public servant and an able leader, who knew most people in town by name. He had a great warmth and sense of humor, was balanced and levelheaded, and a very charismatic speaker. He made it a point to treat people with respect, regardless of their position, and was valued as a confidant and advisor to many," an obituary reads. "He was known for his ability to make you feel like the only one in the room, listening and offering advice on issues great and small, with genuine curiosity, a big heart and an open mind. He had a huge presence in the community, was one of a kind, and he will be dearly missed by his many friends and family."

Visitation will be Friday, June 21, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Parrish (265 West Mill Road, Long Valley). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (11 Schooleys Mountain Road, Long Valley).

You can read Kluetz's full obituary here.