Peter Sumser

Peter H Sumser, 92, of Ringwood NJ passed away at his home on Tuesday Aug 26, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife Lucia of nearly 68 years, and his son Steven. Born on March 5, 1933 in Hufingen, Germany where he grew up as a young boy during World War II.  After attending technical school he was hired by Mercedes Benz where he went on to achieve a “Master Mechanic” status and became part of their racing team. While in Germany he met the love of his life Lucia who he married and together they emigrated to the United States in 1957.

Sponsored by Merecedes to come to America, he worked at their facility in Manhattan and eventually became one of the founding partners of Benzel-Busch Merecedes in Englewood NJ. Years later he opened Auto Sumser, a Mercedes specialty repair shop in Fair Lawn NJ.

Upon arriving in the US, Peter and Lucia immediately settled in Ringwood NJ where they built a home and raised their 2 children Steven and Julie.

Peter was an avid tennis player and then later a golf enthusiast. He loved both European Soccer and American Football. He also had a passion for airplanes and flying. Upon getting his pilot’s license he purchased his own plane and would often spend his free time taking family and friends for fun day trips or longer excursions.

Peter is survived by his wife Lucia, his son Steven, son in law Michael Engler, son in law Bruce Rettstatt, grandsons Peter & Taylor Sumser, granddaughters Melanie Rettstatt, Madeline Rettstatt and husband Kevin Johansmeyer, his sister Ruth Herzog and brothers Erwin and Hubert Sumser.
He is pre-deceased by his beloved daughter Julie, his sister Eva, and brothers Arnold and Hermann.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday September 2nd, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday September 2nd, at 7 p.m. at Vander Plaat Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or the Gliobastoma Foundation.