Luther Engler, Turning His Greatest Fear Into a Passion For Helping Others

Luther Engler is an accomplished veteran and dedicated member of the Nutley community. Learn more about how he started his own business and became involved with the Nutley Lions Club in this week’s edition of Voices of Nutley!

Can you briefly tell us who you are, where you are from and what you do?

Originally from Wilkes-Barre, Pa, I grew up in Rutherford, NJ.  After graduating from Rutherford High, I spent 4 years in the Marine Corps (during the Cuban missile crisis and the start of Vietnam).  After my discharge, I married the girl, literally across the street from where I grew up.  Shortly thereafter, I joined the Newark Police department – just in time for the riots in 1967, 68 & 69.  During my career, I walked a beat, rode in a radio car, worked in the pickpocket squad, as well as the Narcotics Squad (several years undercover), taught in the Police Academy, led the Tactical Squad, worked the Precinct desk and rode as Command Post in charge of the Department during the evening hours.  After almost 30 years, I retired at the rank of Captain.

I had attended Rutgers University part time for 17 years while a police officer and received 5 degrees, including 2 masters degrees, one of which was an MBA. I also attained a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation. Ergo, after retiring from the NPD, I opened the doors of Engler Financial Services.  We moved the office twice as the business as well as the staff grew.  We finally moved to our permanent location at 363 Centre St., across from the Nutley Diner about 12 years ago.

What inspired you to join the Nutley Lions Club and why in this field specifically?

One of the greatest fears in my life has always been losing my eyesight.  As a result, I feel sympathy as well as admiration for those who have lost theirs.  The primary focus of the Lions Club since Helen Keller addressed their national convention in the 1920’s has been to help those who are sight impaired or totally blind.  I joined the Nutley Lions Club many years ago and served as its president for two.

As Lions, we have raised money and contributed to many different charities through the years. We have also conducted eye screening for all the 4^th graders in town for various eye problems with an optometrist in the club and many volunteers working the various vision machines.  We hold a spelling bee for all 3^rdand 4^th graders in town every year with gift certificates to Barns & Noble as prizes. We hold a “Spring Social” at the Parks Dept. yearly and invite all the visually impaired in the County and surrounding area.  We usually get between 60 and 90 people attending the event.  We serve them dinner and entertain them with a DJ.  They dance among themselves and with us.

What are your goals for the Nutley Lions Club?

How long have you lived in North Jersey?

I have lived in North Jersey since the 4^th grade with the exception of the 4 years I spent in the Marine Corps.

How do you like Nutley and how do you like being a business owner here?

Nutley is a great town and I really enjoy managing my business here. (It’s also a great commute).  I am semi-retired and my son who has been in business with me for many years is slowly taking over.  I was worried shortly after I started the business that I wouldn’t be able to find someone to take over the business who would love my clients as much as I do.  When Joe came into the business, I never had that worry again.  And, he is much smarter than I am (I wasn’t smart enough to graduate from the University of Notre Dame like he did).

How are you involved with the local community? Do you attend events?

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