In Memoriam W. Carl Burger

The Kean University community mourns the death of W. Carl Burger, professor emeritus, who passed away at his home in Stewartsville, N.J. on Tuesday, February 21.

Known as an outstanding artist and generous teacher, Burger began his career as a high school fine arts teacher, before joining the Fine Arts Department at Kean in 1961. During more than three decades at Kean, he taught and influenced thousands of students, retiring as Professor Emeritus from the University in 1993.

Even after retirement, Burger remained a generous and true friend of the Kean community. He made several gifts over the years in support of students and art, including gifts establishing the Karl and Helen Burger Gallery on Kean's Union campus, named in honor of his parents, and the W. Carl Burger Scholarship.

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., said Burger was a gifted artist and generous benefactor who shared his talents with Kean. Repollet, who had the opportunity to meet with Burger on campus in 2021, expressed condolences on behalf of the Kean community.

"Mr. Burger was an inspired teacher who contributed greatly to our University," Repollet said. "We are grateful for his many years of dedication to Kean and his love for the arts that led him to establish the Karl and Helen Burger Gallery. His memory will live on through his students, his philanthropy and his art."

Over the years, the Gallery sponsored several shows of Burger's life's work.

"Kean has lost one of its great champions and supporters," said William H. Miller, CEO of the Kean University Foundation. "Carl will be deeply missed. He was overwhelmingly giving in so many ways. Whenever he made a philanthropic gift, he also gave generously of his time and talent. His devotion and generosity to Kean's students and his philanthropy over the years will leave a legacy we will always remember."

Lynette Zimmerman, executive director of Liberty Hall Academic Center and the Galleries at Kean, said she spoke with Burger periodically. She described him as an "incredible artist" and a generous supporter of the Galleries.

"We are honored to continue sharing Carl's legacy with our community through his artwork displayed around campus," Zimmerman said. Carl was always quick with a story and a smile. He generously supported the Galleries' dedication to featuring New Jersey artists in our exhibition program."

One of the region's most highly regarded artists, particularly for watercolor landscapes, Burger has collections held in the Butler Institute of American Art, The Morris Museum, The Noyes Museum, The New Jersey State Museum, Newark Museum and Princeton University Art Museum, as well as corporate and private collections.

His many exhibits include those in Lincoln Center, The National Academy of Design in New York, The Philadelphia Art Museum, The Smithsonian Institute, and international shows in Budapest and Germany. His catalog of awards and honors is extensive. In addition, he has been the subject of several documentaries for NJN Public Television, including the PBS seriesState of the Arts NJ. The episode "W. Carl Burger - A Painter's Life," aired in December 2020.

Visitation will take place at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home in Flemington, N.J. on Monday, February 27 at 6 p.m. In honor of Burger having served as a corporal in the United States Army, visitation will conclude with Military Honors rendered at 8 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombe fisher.com.