Obituary of Benjamin Steltzer

Benjamin Steltzer, 81, of Kearny, N.J., passed away January 4, 2024 in Cape May, New Jersey. Steltzer was born on September 9, 1942 to Irving and Concetta Steltzer in Newark, N.J., and grew up nearby in Kearny. A proud veteran, who served during the Vietnam war, Steltzer went on to travel the world as an airman and served the U.S. Airforce, and spent time stationed in Africa and Europe until 1966. Upon leaving the services, Steltzer is survived by his extravagant stories. Saving a drowning person while not knowing how to swim, opening a real estate agency that angered Rolls Royce, getting stabbed in a late-night bar fight while enlisted overseas by anti-Americans, and leading family and friends on fishing exhibitions on his boat in the Atlantic. However, he is remembered by smaller moments. Late nights sanding wood to help with an upcoming derby car race, building model airplanes, camping trips in the Pennsylvania woods and near South Jersey beaches, waking up before five in the morning to head to work to provide at those grueling early morning hours, and insisting his dog Rocky will run away and the slightest sight of the front gate being left open. Steltzer served the city of Pompton Lakes, N.J. as the Superintendent of Public Works, and retired in his 70's. He also served as a member of the N.J. Real Estate Commission and was nominated and appointed by the Governor of New Jersey to the position of Morris County Tax Commissioner. Steltzer had a love for fishing, politics, and mediocre diner food. In his retirement he moved to Cape May, N.J., and frequented trips to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry where he made friends that he kept until his passing. Benjamin is survived by his wife Lori, six children Jodi, Debbie, Eric, Matthew, Amanda, and Christina as well as multiple grandchildren and his teacup yorkie, Rocky. He joins his older sisters Katie and Paula who previously passed away. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Thursday, January 11 from 11AM until 12 PM. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 1PM on the grounds of Cape May County Veteran's Cemetery.