Kenneth Charles Ludmer

Kenneth Charles Ludmer, 82, of Guttenberg, N.J., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Ken was born in Jersey City, N.J. and raised in nearby Weehawken, N.J.. Among many other places, Ken fondly called the West Village of New York City, Westfield, N.J., and Oaxaca, Mexico, his homes.
Ken served as a member of the United States Army, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. After his military service, he pursued a Masters degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Ken continued on to have a successful marriage and family therapy practice for 40 years, playing an active role in the New Jersey Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken cherished his role as a father and more recently, a grandfather. In the last years of his life, "Papa Ken" loved to laugh and play with his four grandchildren, Owen, Jack, Morgan, and Shea.
A true adventurer at heart, Ken had a passion for travel and exploration. He roamed the world, soaking in its beauty and diversity, and found inspiration for his other love, writing. Ken authored several books, sharing his insights and experiences with the world, leaving behind a lasting legacy of wisdom. In addition to writing, Ken loved acting and playing his guitar.
Ken will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to helping others. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may be gone, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel Ludmer, Alice "Alicia" Brueggeworth (nee Leibl), and his stepfather, Eugene "Geno" Brueggeworth. He is survived by his beloved partner of 14 years, Jill Elliot; his son, Joshua Ludmer, his wife Lauren, and their children, Owen and Morgan; his daughter, Alyson Waldron, her husband Brian, and their children, Jack and Shea. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Seaton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots Inc. General Fund or Columbia University School of Social Work for student textbooks in Ken's honor.
Oaxaca Youth Empowerment
P.O. Box 2219
Benton, AR 72018
info@oaxacayouthempowerment.org
501-574-9040
A celebration of Ken's life will be held at Dooley Colonial Funeral Home on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 2-5pm.
Dooley Colonial Funeral Home
556 Westfield Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090