Leonard James Millner
1926 – 2024
Leonard James Millner, 98, of East Windsor, NJ, passed away on September 8, 2024. Leonard was born on April 17, 1926 in Trenton, NJ to Henry and Lillian (Lavinson) Millner. In his early years, Leonard was an Eagle Scout (Oct 20, 1942) and Boy Scouts Scoutmaster, graduated from Trenton High School, then received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s of Business Administration from Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, Leonard was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He was an electronics/radio technician in the US Navy during World War II and was discharged as an Electronic Technician’s Mate 2nd Class SV6 USNR on July 15, 1946. He received the honor of having the Leonard J. Millner Award for Public and Community Service bestowed to graduating seniors from Hightstown High School as provided by the East Windsor Democratic Club. He worked for most of his professional career as a sales engineer for Kramer Trenton Company and was a lifelong member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Leonard played the saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet in New Jersey’s All-State Orchestra and enjoyed big band music, classical music, and dancing. He and his wife Rita were regularly in awe at their wonderful travel, both in and out of the country, which included camping, snorkeling, and summer visits to the Berkshires.
Leonard Millner also dedicated his adult life to civil service in East Windsor Township. He served on the township’s Planning and Zoning Boards in addition to the Township Council for many years. Leonard served two terms as the Mayor of East Windsor. He continued to serve on the East Windsor Municipal Utility Authority (EWMUA) through the remainder of his life.
He was very handy and enjoyed repairing things around the house. He also enjoyed photography and built a home darkroom to develop film. He complained that he had photos of the only family member willing to pose, Lady, the poodle.
Leonard Millner is survived by his wife and best friend, Rita (Resnick) Millner and his children, Lisa (Millner) and Leon Suttner and Henry (Hank) Millner and Rachael Jeck, his grandchildren, Ethan Suttner, Leah Suttner, Hannah Millner and Maya Millner, and his sister, Rita Swirsky. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Lois (Wolfman) Millner, his sister Helen (Millner) Schwartz and his brother, Stanley Millner.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 10, at 11:30 am at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township, NJ. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that individuals can make donations in Leonard’s honor to Beth El Synagogue, in East Windsor, NJ, or the American Jewish Committee (AJC), or the charity of their choosing.
Leonard Millner had a long and wonderful life filled with love and friendship. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.
Arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com
I had the honor of knowing Len through many years on EWMUA and the Democratic Club. Len was an inspiration. Smart, compassionate, meticulous, dedicated, kind and so many adjectives describe Len but simply put Len was a mensch! May he rest in peace and watch over Rita, his family and us all from heaven!🙏🏼❤️😇
My sincere condolences to the family.I remember Leonard as a valued member of the Board of Beth El Synagogue where I was privileged to serve during the ’70’s, and recall fondly his wife Lois of blessed memory who helped me for a while as the Synagogue ‘s secretary. May his memory be a blessing for the family! Rabbi Roy Abramovitz
I was a colleague of Rita’s when she met Len, and was honored to be a Chuppah holder at their wedding. I spent wonderful times with them in their NJ home and their rental in the Berkshires. We went to see fireworks several times, and so many people greeted Len with great affection. I am so sorry to Rita and to his family, he was truly a mensch.
We met Len and Rita when we moved into our house on Exeter Road in 2016. We lived across the street. We were very happy to have them as new neighbors and I was very impressed with Len’s life story. He accomplished so much and was a genuine sweetheart of a man. We’ve missed you both since you moved and are so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Our condolences Rita and to his entire family.