Peter C. Eagler Has Passed Away

Peter C. Eagler, at the age of 69, lost his battle with laryngeal cancer on May 11, 2024. He graduated in 1976 with a BA in Political Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. After college, he worked as a safety inspector for the NJ Highway Authority. He was the administrator for the Heritage Festivals at the PNC Art Center in Holmdel for numerous years. In time, his career changed when he worked in the computer field of highway authority. Afterward, he became the student ticket coordinator for NJ Transit.

Peter's interest in politics evolved at age 16 when he attended Clifton City Council meetings. Eventually, he was voted in as a Clifton City Councilman from 1990 to 2002 and returned to the council from 2006 to 2022. He fulfilled his position as a Freeholder within the Passaic County government from 1997 to 2005 and served as Freeholder Director in 1997 and 2001.

His opportunity to perform his duties as an NJ State Assemblyman ran from 2002 to 2005. Peter enjoyed passing state bills by vice-chairing senior issues and invasion of privacy laws. Within the assembly, he was privileged to chair telecommunications and utilities issues.

While in college, Peter was also fascinated with Russian studies. At age 23, he joined the Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Saddle Brook. He loved serving as a Subdeacon and trained many young boys to become Altar Servers. Peter liked decorating Christmas trees and arranging flowers around the altar for the Easter holidays. Parishioners and Peter were pleased to hold pysanky egg sales and holiday fundraising church baked products sales. His favorite choices were nut rolls, poppy seed rolls, rice cakes, and cookies.

Peter also sang with the Polish Chopin Choir and was the Passaic Clifton and Vicinity Grand Marshal in 1998. In 2008, he became the Grand Marshal of the General Pulaski Parade, leading the parade up 5th Avenue in NYC. From 2003 to the present, he was the Executive Vice President of the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee, Inc. Peter spoke his knowledge about Poland at many local Polish flag-raising ceremonies.

When Peter and God met in heaven, God said, Well done, son.

He is the beloved brother of Virginia Eagler and the late John Eagler. He is predeceased by his beloved parents, David and Olga (Fedenkiewicz) Eagles. Cherished uncle of Hogan Eagler and Jessalyn Herrington. Adored great-uncle of Riley and Jackson. Dear cousins of Kathryn and Jerry Lepre, Joanne Martin, and Joseph Szoda, Jr.

• Visiting Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 4-8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, NJ
• Thursday, May 16, 2024, 4-7 PM at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, 285 French Hill Rd, Wayne, NJ
• Funeral Service, Thursday at 7 PM at the church.
• Panikhida service Friday at 10 AM at the church, followed by interment at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton, NJ