Gilbert W. Lugossy

March 11, 1936 - March 15, 2026

Gilbert W. Lugossy, 90, of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, a respected public servant whose decades of leadership left a lasting impact on Mercer County, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Serenity Hospice Inpatient Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.

Born and raised in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, Gilbert was a proud graduate of Hamilton High School West, where he served as Senior Class President in 1954. He went on to attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Committed to lifelong learning in public safety and leadership, he later completed specialized training at the National Sheriffs’ Institute at the University of Southern California, the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar through the FBI National Academy.

Mr. Lugossy devoted much of his life to public service and community leadership in Mercer County. His career in government began with his election to the Hamilton Township Board of Education, where he served from 1962 to 1968. He later served on the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1971 to 1976.

In 1977, he was elected Sheriff of Mercer County, a position he held with distinction until 1990. During his years as sheriff, he earned widespread respect for his steady leadership, dedication to law enforcement, and commitment to protecting the residents of Mercer County. Following his time as sheriff, he continued his service to the state as a member of the New Jersey State Parole Board from 1990 to 1997.

Gilbert also served his local community as Fire Commissioner of District No. 3 in Hamilton Township from 1962 – 2016, reflecting his deep commitment to public safety and civic responsibility.

Throughout his life, he remained active in numerous civic, professional, and charitable organizations. He was a longtime member and former secretary of the Rusling Hose Volunteer Fire Company, where he proudly served for more than 70 years. He was a life member and trustee of the Mercer County Firemen’s Association and a life member of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association.

His many affiliations also included membership in American Legion Post 313, Hamilton Elks Lodge 2262, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Msgr. Crean Div. 1, Hamilton Lodge #20 of the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the FBI National Academy Associates – New Jersey Chapter, and the Mercer County 200 Club. He also served on the Board of Directors of Yardville National Bank, the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, Capital Health System in Trenton, and was a member of the Board of Managers of New Jersey Firemen’s Home in Boonton.

Over the years, Gil received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his service and leadership. Among them were the Hamilton Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year and Distinguished Service Award, honors from the Hamilton Township Board of Education and the Hamilton Township Democratic Club, recognition from the New Jersey Association of Counties and the Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey, and distinguished service awards from the Mercer County American Legion Committee and the Mercer County Veterans Council. In 1986 he was honored at a benefit dinner hosted by the American Cancer Society and the Italian American War Veterans Post No. 2.

Gilbert Lugossy will be remembered as a proud public servant, respected community leader, and a man whose life was defined by his dedication to Mercer County and the people he served.

His legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to community will long be remembered by those who knew him and by the countless lives he touched throughout his many years of public service.

Predeceased by his parents, Frank and Vilma (Antal) Lugossy; his sister, Rose Lugossy Taylor; and his beloved wife, Helen “Lee” Lugossy; he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Eileen Lugossy; brother-in-law, Richard Taylor; brother-in-law, Arthur Blazewski; sister-in-law, Pearl Capes; nieces and nephews, Frank (Kristi) Lugossy, Michael Lugossy, Christopher (Christine) Lugossy, Lisa (Jim) Hutchison, Jackie (Peter) Wighton, and John(Elizabeth) Blazewski; many great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, dear friends and colleagues.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home, 2141 South Broad Street, Hamilton, NJ 08610.

A Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home.

Entombment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The New Jersey Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005 or to Capital Health Foundation, Two Capital Way, Suite 361, Pennington, NJ 08534 or online at https://www.capitalhealth.org/donate/make-gift-now

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