HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University is mourning the death of Wolfgang Gstattenbauer, chair emeritus of its Board of Trustees and a longtime leader and supporter of the institution.
Gstattenbauer, who earned a degree from Centenary in 1984 and later received an honorary degree in 2013, died April 17, 2026, according to the university.
His connection to Centenary began in 1979 as a nontraditional student. After earning an associate degree in business administration, he remained actively involved with the university for decades, including serving two terms on the Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2005 and from 2008 to 2020. He was later named chair emeritus following his retirement from the board.
University officials said Gstattenbauer played a significant role in shaping governance at Centenary, contributing to the development of its constitution and supporting academic initiatives during his tenure, including work as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Gstattenbauer also had a long professional career with M&M/Mars International, where he worked for 29 years and rose to the position of operations director before retiring as personnel director overseeing multiple manufacturing plants.
He was active in the local community, serving with the Hackettstown Chamber of Commerce, the Warren County Economic Development Committee and as a former chairman of the Sussex County American Cancer Society.
Centenary officials said his legacy will have a lasting impact on the university and the broader community.
