Walter H Engelhardt, Jr.

Walter H. Engelhardt, Jr., 85, died peacefully on May 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving and adoring children.

Born in Newark, NJ, to the late Walter, Sr., and Louise Engelhardt, nee Simpson, he was raised in Elizabeth, NJ, and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Elizabeth, NJ, where he met the love of his life, Anne Doherty. He married Anne in 1966 and the two lived in Clark, NJ, before moving to Bridgewater, NJ, where they settled and raised their family.

Mr. Engelhardt received his Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University before proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Army during the Cold War, and was honorably discharged in 1964. After his military service, Mr. Engelhardt went on the receive his Master of Arts Degree in Education from Kean College. He then worked for the Union County Probation Department for over forty years, retiring as a Principal Probation Officer.

Mr. Engelhardt was extremely active and involved in sports and his community. He enjoyed playing all manner of sports, including football, golf, bowling, horseshoes, baseball, and softball. He had a natural talent and passion for baseball, becoming a standout player in high school for the St. Mary’s Hilltoppers varsity baseball team, enjoying a long, distinguished career with the legendary Elizabeth Braves semi-pro team, and playing on numerous US Army teams during his military service. After his hardball playing days were over, he became heavily involved in numerous competitive softball leagues for the next forty years, playing on several championship teams. Mr. Engelhardt culminated his athletic career with his induction into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. Walter forged life-long friendships and a reputation as a great teammate during his many years on the fields of play.

Walter was also very active in his community. He was a manager and coach for many years with the Bradley Gardens youth baseball program, and was devoted to his Catholic faith, being extremely active in both the Knights of Columbus Linden and Somerville councils, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Holy Name Society at Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, NJ for many years.

Mr. Engelhardt devoted his life to his family and enjoyed many summers together in Seaside Park, Long Beach Island and later Forked River, NJ, where they would spend time together on the beach, fishing, crabbing and creating memories with his children, grandchildren and extended family. He also enjoyed attending Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants games with family and friends as a long-time season ticket holder of both teams. Walter was an avid gardener in his back yard, and enjoyed staying busy and working around the house and on his cars, even into his 80’s. Most of all, he enjoyed the quality time with his family, especially in the last year after the loss of his beloved wife Anne who preceded him in death just last year. He is also predeceased by very special and beloved aunts, uncles, sisters in law and brothers in law.

Surviving are his loving children, MaryBeth Engelhardt, Walter H. Engelhardt, III, and Daniel Engelhardt and wife Sandy, his cherished grandchildren Maeve, Mary, Sarah, and Conal, his dear sister Mary Ann Reilly, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, teammates, and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM pm Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 60 Maple Street, Bridgewater. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:00AM.

Interment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.