Veteran Gave Time to Ambulance Corp, Boy Scouts and More

Stephen Joseph Sugalski Jr., 87, of New Port Richey, Florida, formerly of River Edge died recently.

Steve was born and raised in Lyndhurst. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the early part of WWII and served as a Combat Infantry soldier. He was wounded in combat, first in the North African Campaign and later critically wounded and left for dead during the Battle of Rome. Steve was awarded two Purple Hearts.

After an extensive recovery period in military hospitals in Europe and Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C., he returned to New Jersey and married Marie Carr of North Arlington. In 1950, they moved to River Edge and remained until his retirement from Delux Truck Inc.of Hackensack.

Steve never let his status of 'disabled vet' hold him back from his civic duties. During his years in River Edge, he served in many town organizations. Somehow between working and raising his family, he spent many years as a member of the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Corps, in which he served as Captain, coached Little League Baseball teams, was active in Boy Scouting, serving as Troop Assistant Scout Master in Troop 185.

He also volunteered his time to the Police Auxiliary, was a Special Patrolman and in later years could be seen directing traffic on Sunday mornings outside the First Congregational Church in River Edge. He was also active in the local Democratic Club and was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Church in River Edge.

Survived by present wife Jean, daughter Maureen Lenniger and Joe Bartruff of Lanoka Harbor, son Jeffrey and his wife Linda of Greenville, N.Y., Dr. Kevin and wife Greta of Sidman, Pa., and Ronald and Cindy Jones of Milford, Pa.

Steve is also survived by nine grandchildren: Craig and Danielle Lenniger, Dr. Gregory and wife Rachel, Adam, Todd and fiancée Amanda, Eric and wife Marisa, Colleen, Amanda, Colin and Bonnie Sugalski. He is also survived by great-grandson, Harrison.