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Peter Wacker Obituary
Martinsville - Rutgers University Professor Emeritus Peter O. Wacker of Martinsville passed away on March 24, 2020 at the age of 83. The son of immigrants, Peter grew up in Irvington, graduated from Montclair State College, and earned his PhD from Louisiana State University. A faculty member at Rutgers for more than 40 years and author of several books, his research focused on the vibrant intersection of land and people in New Jersey from the colonial era to the present day.
Dedicated to the preservation of the state's history, he served on the State Review Board for Historic Sites for more than 30 years, and received a Guggenheim Fellowship and the New Jersey Historical Commission's Richard J. Hughes Award, the commission's highest honor for lifetime achievement in New Jersey history, among other honors. Generous with his time for students and the public, Peter thought it was important for people to understand not only world geography but also their own local geography, history and culture.
Peter possessed a boundless curiosity about the world, most of which he had visited. He loved travel, fishing, gardening, and a good joke.
He is survived by Arlene, his wife of 57 years; a daughter, Jill (Thomas Corlett) of Philadelphia; a son, Craig (Amy Sprague) of Seattle; and grandchildren Lucy Corlett, Wiley Corlett, Linnea Wacker-Sprague and Corbett Wacker-Sprague.
Donations in his memory can be made to NJ Audubon or any organization working to preserve and protect the natural world.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Wacker
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5 Entries
Dennis Berube
April 2, 2020
Pete was past President of the Garden State Numismatic Association. He was always a joy to talk with his endless knowledge of history. Truly a humble and gentle giant that enlightened every one he meet. On behalf of the Board members and myself our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time .
Elizabeth Abbatemarco
March 30, 2020
Peter hired me back in 1984 as secretary in the Dept of Geography. He was a wonderful person to work for and we had lots of great talks in my office. I also enjoyed the pastries he would bring in to me on a regular basis. In the early days. I had to type up his exams and became quite good at reading his handwriting. A few times I had to ask him what a word was and he would tell me it was a word he made up just to keep his students alert. Quite the gentleman and scholar and will be sadly missed.
Bernard Bush
March 26, 2020
I honor the memory of my friend and colleague, Peter Wacker. We knew each other since the 1960s, and I have always admired his pioneering work in New Jersey cultural geography. As a scholar and a teacher he made a unique and enduring contribution to American history, and to the work of many of our state's historical and cultural institutions. .
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Ted Kury
March 25, 2020
Farewell old friend--it is hard to believe that over sixty years ago we met in a social studies class at Montclair State, then graduate school together at LSU and my last published work was as your co-author. Many memories--Dan's classes, LSU football, convention trips. You had a well earned career and I know that you were most proud of Arlene and the children. RIP!
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