Stockburger enjoyed an eventful 100 years
Retired state trooper guarded kidnapper of Lindbergh baby
BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

MILLTOWN - After 100 years of a life packed with career achievements and unforgettable experiences, Maj. Hugo "Stocky" Stockburger, of Milltown, died June 21 after a brief stay at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Perhaps the most remarkable highlight of Stockburger's career as a state policeman was his role in the Lindbergh baby kidnapping case in 1934. It was Stockburger's job to guard Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who was convicted of the kidnapping, both in the courtroom, and in his cell.

Stockburger joined the New Jersey State Police in 1929, part of the 21st class of recruits. He rose through the ranks to major, the second highest position in the state police, and took his compulsory retirement at the age of 55.

Not one to sit back and rest on his laurels, Stockburger went on to serve for nine years as the appointed deputy director of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the state. At 64, he took the position of Milltown police director.

Stockburger lived in Milltown since 1939. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1993. The two were married for 58 years. He is survived by their only child, James, 70, who lived with Stockburger all his life.

"We were close buddies," James said Monday.

The father and son would often take long walks together for exercise, and traveled to a beach house at Normandy Shores, Ocean County, each summer for vacations.

James said his father had told him he did not want to be kept alive artificially, or be wheelchair-bound if he fell ill. He said the centenarian's death involved minimal suffering, and was the way his father had wanted to go.

Born in Germany, Stockburger moved to New Jersey at the age of 16.

Stockburger's home bears testament to his many accomplishments and accolades from his law enforcement career. The state police planned to honor him at his wake yesterday, James said.

Close friend and neighbor George Mackaronis threw a block party in October for Stockburger's upcoming 100th birthday, which was Dec. 28. Among the attendees were Mayor Gloria Bradford and Middlesex County Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel.

"When you get close to my age, you're satisfied to sit down and take it easy," Stockburger told the Sentinel in an October interview.

With daily exercise including rides on his bike during summers, Stockburger did not let his age turn him sedentary. He credited physical activity as the key to his longevity.

Stockburger also tooled around town in his Cadillac up until the time of his death.

"A lot of people were amazed, because most people don't live to 100," James said.

The only health problem Stockburger suffered from was a case of shingles, a common malady among seniors. Not big on taking medication for his ailments, Stockburger stuck with only aspirin for pain.

Stockburger's funeral was scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the Selover Funeral Home in North Brunswick.