Manuel “Manny” Sturges, 90, died Jan. 16.

Mr. Sturges, the son of Greek immigrants, was born in Manchester, N.H.

His entrepreneurial spirit was documented in a 1935 photo in Life magazine, which showed him selling souvenir toy ladders with his brother outside the New Jersey courthouse, where Bruno Hauptmann was being tried for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. Nearly 20 years later, the brothers opened their first liquor store, which evolved into a chain, known as Raritan Liquors. It served Somerset and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. His son and nephew currently run the family business, which just celebrated its 61st anniversary.

Mr. Sturges also served in the Naval Airwing Regiment in World War II, fighting in the North African and French theaters.

Mr. Sturges was an extensive traveler and an avid skier and golfer. He achieved a hole-in-one on three occasions. Known as “the grillmaster” among his family and friends, he considering cooking a “cherished, daily pursuit.”

He is survived by June, his wife of 40 years; brother, John; son, William; three stepchildren; and a large extended family.

A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 21. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

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