MONTVILLE, NJ — A longtime Montville resident, Albert Ward Witty (1921–1976) served in the Navy during World War II, spent more than 30 years with the Prudential Insurance Company and held a number of local positions, including on the Montville Township Committee and Planning Board.
His grandfather, Ward Witty, was active in local government, serving on the Township Committee and as mayor during three periods: 1917–1921, 1925–1934 and 1935–1936. Albert’s father, Charles, was also involved in the community and served with the Towaco Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
From Towaco to the Navy
Before World War II, Albert worked as the chief inspector for the General Tool Manufacturing Company of Irvington. In 1942, he left the position to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served for three and a half years, with duty in both the European and Pacific campaigns.
Sign Up for FREE Montville Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
After returning home in 1945, Albert continued his education, completing the National Life Underwriter's Training Course as well as Prudential's program in Estate Planning and Business Insurance. Soon after he began working for the Prudential Insurance Company as a life underwriter specializing in estate planning and business insurance. He remained with the company for more than 30 years, serving clients in Towaco and Lincoln Park.
A Life of Community Service
Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the Towaco Volunteer Fire Department, where he would remain a member for more than 25 years. He eventually served as president of the department and was also a member of the Montville Township Exempt Firemen's Association.
His involvement in veterans' affairs also began early in his postwar years. Albert became involved with the newly formed Montville Township American Legion Post and eventually served as its commander.
His civic work also included the Board of Lighting Commissioners, where he served for 10 years. During that time, he played a large part in having streetlights installed throughout the Pine Brook area, including the neighborhood where he lived.
Albert's community involvement extended to youth sports as well. For 7 years, he managed Little League and Babe Ruth teams in the township and served on the Executive Committee of the Montville Township League.
Serving on the Planning Board and Township Committee
Albert's involvement in local organizations and civic affairs eventually led to his election to the Montville Township Committee in the early 1960s.
During his tenure, he served on the Mosquito Extermination Committee, one of the responsibilities handled by local government at the time. He also spent 14 years on the Montville Township Planning Board, including eight years as chairman. A contemporary profile described Albert as an advocate for planning that served the interests of the township as a whole, with an emphasis on consistent application of township policies and ordinances and preventing conflicts of interest.
His years in local government also coincided with a period of rapid growth in Montville. During the 1960s, the township's population increased significantly. Farms, open space, and small villages were giving way to new residential neighborhoods, expanding schools and other development. Township officials faced the challenge of planning for a larger population while the community moved away from its agricultural past.
Planning for a Growing Montville
One example came in 1968, when the township moved forward with plans for a new high school.
On October 8, 1968, township and school officials gathered for the groundbreaking of what would become Montville Township High School. Albert, then serving as chairman of the Planning Board, was among the community leaders present.
The $3.9 million project was initially designed to accommodate 1,216 students, with the ability to expand to 2,000 students.
The property had previously been part of Sunset Farms. Land that had been used for agriculture was becoming the site of a major public institution for a growing suburban population, reflecting the changes taking place in Montville during Albert's years in local government.
A Family Legacy of Service
Albert married Marjorie Bausch, daughter of Walter Bausch of Towaco. The Bausch family was also part of the local community and operated the famous Bausch candy store in the center of Towaco.
Marjorie established a record of public service of her own. She served Montville Township for more than 30 years as tax collector and was also a member of the Planning Board.
Albert and Marjorie raised three sons, continuing the family's longstanding connection to Montville. The family's legacy of community service continued in later generations, including Maryann Witty, who served as Montville Township's recreation director for 38 years, and June Witty, who currently serves on the Township Committee.
Remembering Albert Witty
After a long illness, Albert passed away in October 1976 at the age of 55. By then, he had spent decades serving Montville through the fire department, veterans organizations, youth sports, local government and the Planning Board.
Today, the Witty family's connection to Montville continues through later generations, while Ward Witty Drive bears the name of Albert's grandfather, providing a present-day reminder of the family's longstanding history of service to the township.