Samuel M. Lyon Jr.

(Manahawkin Newspapers)

SAMUEL M. LYON JR.
AGE: 85 RIDGEWOOD
Samuel M. Lyon Jr., of Ridgewood, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 18,2 010, at his home with his children, at the age of 85. Sam was born Oct. 30, 1924 to Scottish immigrants' Margaret and Samuel M. Lyon in Kearny. He was the third born of four brothers, all who served in World War II. He volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant and was an aircraft commander of a B-17 Bomber. After the war, he went on to graduate from Dickenson College in 1949. While at Dickenson, he met Bernice Somers. They were married on Aug. 19, 1952. Samuel graduated Georgetown University Law School in 1952 (Law review from 1951 to 52). He was a member of the D.C. and New Jersey Bars. In 1956, Sam and Bernice moved to Ridgewood, where they had five children, Samuel III, Mary Beth, Roy and their twin daughters, Margaret and Eva Marie. In February 1974, Bernice passed way leaving Sam to raise his three youngest children. Sam remained a widower until December 2002 when he married Joann Gunter. Sam established a law practice in 1957 on 45 North Broad St. after a short stint with Law offices of Dwyer and Dwyer. He later moved his office to 76 West Ridgewood Ave., where he remained for over 35 years before retiring in 2009. During his career, he held various positions, including Councilman of North Arlington, Assistant New Jersey State Director of Rent control, 1955-56, District Supervisor New Jersey Transfer Inheritance Bureau 1956-71, Municipal Attorney Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus 1960-85, and Municipal Attorney Township of Wyckoff 1974-80. He was on the Board of Directors of Citizens First National Bank of New Jersey, including serving as Chairman of the Board.
He is survived by his brother, David Lyon; his children, Samuel M. Lyon III, Mary Beth and Christopher Hansen, Roy and Mayda Lyon, Margaret and Robert Macfarlan, and Eva Marie and Jeff Wilder; and two stepchildren, Andy and Greg Gunter (and their families). He also had 12 grandchildren, Samuel M. Lyon IV, Danny, Deron and Zachery Hansen, Quinn, Gus, and John Lyon, Jenna, Reed and Page Macfarlan and Amada and Jake Wilder; and a great-grandchild, Emyllia Grace Hansen born on Jan. 9, 2010 to Danny and Janelle Hansen. He was predeceased by Bernice Somers Lyon (1974), Joann Gunter Lyon (2009); and his brothers, Crawford (Battle of the Bulge) and Archibald Lyon.
Sam Lyon was a strong willed man with unshakable family values. He was an avid fisherman and a frustrated golfer who always placed his family above all else. He is a role model for his children, grandchildren and his newly minted great-grandchild. While he will be missed. He will always be remembered.... His impact will go on for generations
At his request, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Intrepid Fallen Hero Fund (www.fallenheroesfund.org) or Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org) www.vanemburgh.com.