Longtime Hatboro-Horsham Community Member Mourned

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —He was a Hatboro councilman, Horsham police dispatcher, a deputy fire chief, and the chief engineer of the Enterprise Fire Company.

At Monday night's Hatboro Borough Council meeting, Mayor Tim Schultz and Enterprise Fire Company President Ernest Brown remarked about the impact Joseph Lutz made in the borough and the friendships that he forged.

Lutz passed away last Thursday at the age of 85.

Schultz said that the 67 years of service Lutz provided the borough was "rare to find the dedication that Joe demonstrated."

Lutz began serving at the age of 18 in 1957, and had tenures as a deputy fire chief, treasurer, former councilman, and most recently as chief engineer of the fire department, the mayor said.

"Last November, he assisted in a neighbor's fire," Schultz said. "That was amazing for someone his age. It must have been all the Wawa coffee he drank. He was our friendly neighbor and sidewalk historian. We are going to miss him as a neighbor and a friend."

Brown echoed the mayor's sentiments.

"Joe knew a lot of jokes," Brown said. "They were coming at you whether you liked it or not."

Lutz joined the fire company in 1957, following in the footsteps of his father Merrill, who was a life member.

At the time of his death, Lutz was serving as the fire company's chief engineer, ensuring the readiness of the apparatus and training new drivers.

The lifelong Hatboro resident also served on the Borough Water Authority, and was a former police dispatcher for Hatboro and Horsham.

The Horsham Township Police Department posted on Facebook about Lutz's passing.

"Joe was a beloved member of our family who devoted countless years to protecting and serving the residents of Horsham Township as a dispatcher and the Borough of Hatboro as a firefighter and Chief Engineer," the police department said.

"Joe possessed an unrivaled sense of duty and compassion. As our police dispatcher, Joe was the vital link between those in need and the first responders rushing to their aid. With a steady voice and reassuring presence, Joe managed emergency calls gracefully and efficiently, ensuring that help arrived swiftly and effectively. Their dedication to this demanding role touched countless lives and comforted many in their darkest moments," the police department said.

"Outside of work, Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering support for those he loved. Joe was a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration, always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. All those who knew him were better people because of it, the police department continued. "Joe’s selflessness, courage, and dedication will never be forgotten. His passing leaves two communities forever grateful for his service and a legacy that will inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps. Rest in peace, "Lutzy." You will be deeply missed."

Hatboro and Horsham expressed condolences to Lutz's wife Bev and his family.

Lutz will be laid to rest on Saturday. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to Noon, followed by at service at the Schneider Funeral Home in Hatboro.