Eugene F. Deutsch

Eugene F. Deutsch

Union County Republican, Rutgers Grad ‘51, AMAX exec, lobbyist, Deputy Commissioner of New Jersey Community Affairs

Eugene “Gene” F. Deutsch, 90, passed away August 1, 2019.

He was preceeded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara G. Deutsch, in 2014. Barbara and Gene lived most of their lives in Elizabeth, Union, Berkeley Heights, Long Beach Island, and Boca Raton, Florida. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Wasserman, and husband (Larry) and son, Jon Deutsch, Esq. and wife (Nancy). He is also survived by beloved grandchildren, Jenna Deutsch, Sam Wasserman, Hayley Deutsch, and Jake Wasserman, and his beautiful dachshund, Sadie, as well as many lifelong friends.

Gene was born in Leonia, NJ, to Albert and Theresa Deutsch, and had two sisters, Julia Kessler(Oscar) and Margie Platt (Ben).  Gene graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Elizabeth, in 1947; and with a B.A. from Rutgers University in 1951, and continued to get a Masters Degree from Universidad de Mexico City.

Gene was an active Republican in Union County and New Jersey.  Gene served as Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs, under Governor William Cahill. He was mentored in politics by Senator Nelson Stamler; becoming an Aide and thereafter as an Aide, to the late Senator Francis X. McDermott.  Gene worked for Singer Sewing Machine Company, alongside his father, as an intern, and then for Electro Hercules and AMAX (American Climax) Metals, selling steel for many highrise buildings being constructed in the 1950’s and 60’s including the World Trade Center.  He continued with AMAX in many roles, including corporate Vice President, lobbyist and a key role in the transition and development of Port Carteret.

Gene retired from New Jersey Army National Guard with the rank of Major, and was proud to be a patriot and American. He was also a Mason, registered lobbyist, and member of Colonel Henry Rutgers Society of Rutgers University.  Gene was a world traveler, including a recent trip back to Hungary, the homeland of his ancestors, accompanied by his nephew, Jeff Platt. 

Gene’s biggest joy was his family. Known to his grandchildren as “GP”, he was not the average grandfather.  Whether watching Clemson football with Hayley, or exploring London on a recent trip with Jon, Jenna and Hayley, or flying off to the Bahamas with the boys, he taught them all that life is an adventure meant to be explored.  In his later life, after the death of his beloved Barbara, he moved to Warren, residing at Brightview Senior Living, where he leaves many friends.  Gene will be missed by all of those who loved and have learned from him.  

Funeral services will be at Higgins Bonner Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ, at 12:00 noon on Sunday, August 4, followed by a graveside service at Mount Moriah Cemetary, 685 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, NJ.  The family will receive visitors Sunday from 7-9 pm, and Monday and Tuesday from 3-9 pm, at the home of Jon and Nancy Deutsch, 7 Codington Lane, Warren, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s name toColonel Henry Rutgers Society of Rutgers University or St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center

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