Florham Park Veteran, Library Volunteer Passes Away

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Milton Leighton, a Korean War veteran, library volunteer and 54-year resident of town passed away on Saturday. He was 84-years-old.

According to an obituary shared by Dangler Funeral Homes:

Milton was born in Willimantic Maine where he worked on the family farm, cut ice from lakes and attended a one room school house. He later attended the University of Maine. He pursued a doctorate in chemical engineering at the University of Delaware. Milt served as a first Lt. in the Army Signal Corp during the Korean War helping train flight crews in bombing telemetry and photography. For 44 years Milt worked as a chemical engineer for Exxon Research & Development where he was awarded several patents. Through his work with Exxon, Milton was able to extensively travel to Germany, England, Italy and other countries and states.

Milton lived 54 years in Florham Park in the home he built himself. He was an avid gardener and was a life-long member of the Florham Park Garden Club. As a member of the club, he spearheaded the development of the Campfield Garden and retaining wall on the corner of Ridgedale Avenue and Columbia Turnpike. He also helped found the Junior Garden Club. Milt was a volunteer at the F.P. library, which included creating and donating plant displays. Milton was a devoted member of the Holy Family Church in Florham Park. He served as an auxillary member of the F.P. Memorial First Aid Squad.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara, four children, four grandchildren, and a sister.

A wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler in Madison. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Florham Park at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

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