Obituary of Alfons Mayer

Warren: Alfons Mayer one of the most respected men in the Cigar Tobacco Industry, died in his home after a short illness. He was 79. Mr. Mayer was born in 1927 and grew up in Holland until his family was separated during World War II. During the war he was taken to a prisoner of war camp where he was released once and escaped a second time. He helped American soldiers infiltrate the country in order to assist in the war efforts. After the war Mr. Mayer along with his mother and sister followed his father to Argentina where he lived until 1955. He learned the tobacco business from the ground up first with his father and later continued his training with General Cigar Co in Cuba, Puerto Rico and finally the United States. Being one of the ten top authorities in the cigar industry Mr. Mayer was bestowed the honor of Tobacco Personality of the Year in 1992 by The Tobacco Journal International. He often traveled throughout the world and his ability to speak seven languages was an asset few people have. He retired at the age of 74 and proceeded to form his own company A. Mayer & Co, LLC. He created the Alfons Mayer cigar brand, which includes 3 distinct flavors calling them Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Cigars always in his pocket, handing them out to all he met, Mr. Mayers exuberant personality made a lasting impression on all. Through his retirement he continued to be advisor to many who called on him daily. He loved the game of soccer among other sports and was a member of the Lions Club in Warren, NJ. Mr. Mayer was predeceased by his wife of 43 years Sara Pitusa and is survived by his six children, Sara Rafter of Madison, Alexandra Mayer of Franklin Township, Alfons Mayer, III of Holland Township, Desiree MacLellan of Warren Township, Aurora Foran of Pittstown, and Alex Mayer of Millford, NJ, and his most beloved fifteen grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 8:15 am on Saturday October 14, 2006 at Higgins Home for Funerals 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung NJ 07069 followed by a 9:00 am mass of resurrection at Our Lady of the Mount R.C. Church in Warren. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Stony Hill Cemetery in Watchung. Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the funeral home. Please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com to send condolences. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Atlantic Home Care and Hospice, 33 Bleeker Street, Millburn, NJ 07041.