Walter “Dutch” Christoffers died at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Walter is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth; his older brother, William H. Christoffers of Rancho Mirage, Calif., his daughter Lisa Yano (Makoto) of Tokyo, Japan, his son Kurt (Fiona) of Mountainside, N.J. and five grandchildren.
Walter and Ruth moved to Vero Beach from Mountainside, in June, 2004.
They had lived in Mountainside for 49 years, where Walter was active in civic affairs, serving on the town Zoning board and a member of the Jaycees.
Walter was an Electrician’s Mate in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1947 and served in World War II.
He worked for many years as an electrician, retiring as Vice President of Lessner Electrical Construction Company, based in Elizabeth, N.J.
An avid horticultural hobbyist, Walter served as president of both the Westfield Men’s Garden Club and the New Jersey State Chrysanthemum Society.
Following his retirement, Walter joined his wife at Christoffers Inc., a retail flower, plant and gift business she established in Mountainside.
He was also an accomplished cook, having studied with Jean-Georges Vongerichten and other renowned chefs in New York.
There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.
