Ret. Police Sergeant Mike Kushwarra Of South Brunswick Dies At 61

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Retired Police Sergeant and well-known community member Mike Kushwarra died on Thursday, Jan. 20 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. He was 61.

Kushwarra was an officer at the South Brunswick Police Department for 25 years, before retiring as a Sergeant for the Traffic Safety Bureau.

"Mike was dedicated to improving traffic safety in South Brunswick, that's where he really found his niche," said South Brunswick Deputy Chief of Police, James Ryan. "When I was new and stopped a car, as soon as we reached it Mike pointed out to me everything that was wrong with it - the tire tread was too thin, the muffler was too loud. He showed me so many aspects to traffic safety," Ryan said.

Kushwarra was a lifelong resident of South Brunswick who knew much about the Township. "He could drive around town and show you developments that didn't exist. That's so important in police work," Ryan said.

He was also a “proud” volunteer for the Kendall Park EMS and was a current member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the South Brunswick Republican Committee, according to his obituary on M.J. Murphy Funeral Home.

In 2020, Kushwarra ran for a seat on Town Council during the November elections. In an interview with Patch, Kushwarra chose not to highlight the shortcomings of his opponents but instead focused on why he was a good candidate. Read More Here: South Brunswick Town Council Profile: Mike Kushwarra

“I believe my knowledge of the community and ability to work with other agencies and groups can benefit the community,” Kushwarra said.

Known as “Big Mike,” Kushwarra was considered everyone’s “go-to guy,” according to his obituary. “His love and wisdom spread far and wide to everyone who knew him, and we are so thankful to have had the opportunity to love him and know him for the great man he is and will forever be.”

He leaves behind his wife, Deborah Kushwarra, and two children - Michael W. and Katelyn (Tyler Knox).

The family has started a GoFundMe to “help cover the leftover expenses.”

“Mike "The Commander", as many knew him, was always there to lend a helping hand to whoever, whenever. No matter the time of day or night, Mike was always a text or phone call away,” said the organizer of the GoFundme. “He leaves behind his wife, and two kids, along with his beloved parents and family. Anything donated would be appreciated as we mourn and prepare for the months ahead.”

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, 616 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction.

Funeral will be held Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home and Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park.

Entombment of Ashes will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Burial Park, 840 Cranbury South River Road, East Brunswick. Attendees are welcome to join the family at 10 a.m. at the Funeral Home to process to the cemetery.

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