Homeless man meets cold end in Morristown

Personal effects of homeless man found dead outside a Morristown church on Friday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Personal effects of homeless man found dead outside a Morristown church on Friday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Personal effects of homeless man found dead outside a Morristown church on Friday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Items found where homeless man was found dead, outside a Morristown church on Friday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

 

A homeless man was found dead outside a Morristown church door at lunchtime on Friday, lying at the base of a stairwell on a bright but blustery November afternoon that made you long for warmer clothes.

Morristown church stairwell where the body of a homeless man was found on Friday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Morristown church stairwell where the body of a homeless man was found on Friday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Police identified the deceased as  Barry Lotz, 55.

An empty bottle of vodka and a half-empty pack of Marlboros were found near the body.

“He was familiar to us. He was not a bad guy,” said Police Lt. Stuart Greer.

There were no signs of foul play, the officer said. An autopsy will be performed by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s office.

Authorities at site where man was found dead. Police do not suspect foul play. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Authorities at site where man was found dead. Police do not suspect foul play. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

The Criminal Investigation Section of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene,  outside the First Baptist Church on Washington Street  — across from the Morris County Courthouse, and just a block from shelter at the Market Street Mission.

Someone noticed the body around noontime, and alerted a Morris County Park Police officer, Lt. Greer said.

For years, the church stairwell led to Our Place Inc., a daytime drop-in shelter for the homeless that operated in the basement.  The shelter’s been gone for awhile.  Its motto:

“Everyone is Entitled to be Treated with Dignity and Respect.”

 

The First Baptist Church was the end of the road for a homeless man in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
The First Baptist Church was the end of the road for a homeless man in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

 

41 COMMENTS

  1. I did not know the Deceased.

    However, I did passingly know, Michelle “Micki” Lotz, John Lotz’ older sister, around 1960.

    She passed away not much later. That was extremely young.

  2. Dear Everett, Sorry to hear of your loose. the Lotz family has sure had there share on greif.
    I sure miss the fum we had years ago. I am now in Virginia working as parts and service director for Tri-City Ford chevy Chrysler-kia .

    My heart goes out for your4 loose

    Vince Ensign

  3. So sad to hear of the passing of Barry , ” Lotzie ” to the old gang from The Vail Bar.. I knew him since our MHS days. Would regularly shoot the breeze with him at The Colonial. He did a small repair and re-roofing of my Mom’s living room picture window..When I moved back to the area from NYC , I ran into him in the parking behind Petes Pizza and Tavern off the Green..He asked me “How is your Mom’s roof, does it leak ? ” I said hell no…Only when it rains !! He got a good chuckle out of that..That is the Barry I would care to remember…( and YES, that picture does indeed to look like it was staged ) .

  4. How wonderful to see comments from Jeff, Stevie ,David,Paul,Tim and last but not least Luann remembering our Barry as the character that he was. He was a loyal friend, my heart is heavy thinking of the turmoil he lived thru. Barry I choose to remember you as the lovable imp that you were and all the nites on the 16,17 and 18th the racetrack and skating on the ponds. Ahhhh the smile on my face as all the memories are flooding back :). Please know that you mattered to all of the “Springbrook Crew” our lives were certianly richer with you in them.R.I.P. my friend…… love you , Lisa

  5. Barry, when I ran into you some years back, you lamented how much you missed hanging out at the old ‘corner’, sitting on the rock that once stood in front of my old house. I promise you that if I could, I would dedicate that rock as a memorial to you. Perhaps someday, you, me, David, Paul, Mark, Matt Johnny, Scott and the rest of the old gang, can hang out once again at the corner in the great beyond. Until then…

    Tim (Mickey)

  6. I have been reading along, nostalgic for sure, although most only knew the half of it. Barry had many opportunities to change course. The Munge was an old nickname we had for him. He could certainly try your patience. Many people, Dave and Steven notably, put much effort into helping Barry ,yet he continued to drink. I hope he has found some peace. We shared some great times, some truly epic times, some sad and tragic times as well. Childhood memories. Hello to all from our old neighborhood.

  7. Steve and David, so nice to hear such beautiful words. You guys knew Barry so well. All the Coutts’s were so special to Barry. You guys are saints.

  8. I am happy to keep checking this comment section on Barry’s behalf and find such wonderful posts. I would also like to state, that I meant to say in my above post: “AND UNFORTUNATELY of course smoking and drinking” – not that I am proud that we did that. I would like to add one of the great memories was the regular football games on the 16th rough.
    There has been a lot of commentary about the display of a “bottle, cigarettes, hat and a sneaker” and its been eating away at me what is it about that picture that bothers me also? I have realized that the picture disturbs me because it was an image that was created — those items were placed and arranged to be photogenic. Barry did not leave those items neatly arranged as such (to depict, “let me show the people who find me how I want to be remembered before I lay down and die”). The picture may have been appropriate if taken as an original scene, but not to be arranged so a specific image can be created of a person by someone who did not even know that person. Never purposefully take away a man or a woman’s dignity just because they have passed away and they won’t know — especially not Barry, since as you can see, he had plenty of dignity and friends that do know the foul play that has happened here. As you can see, many people did know Barry and he laid down enough ground work in his life so people would remember him and love him for who he was and not for what he looked like on the surface. I would agree, shame on your irresponsible journalism/photography for trying to make a statement through Barry of how you end up when you are homeless. People truly and sincerely love Barry, not just because its a sad situation.
    I would also say, Trish, thank you for your comments and perspective and also nice to hear from you.
    Everett, when we were kids, Barry spoke of you often and had the utmost respect for you. I remember him often saying, “Everett said this… and Everett said that…” He was lucky to have you.
    Thanks Barry, for bringing the special people in your life together…

  9. Sorry to you Jeffrey and uncle Everett had many good child hood hunting memories hopefully Barry no longer has to suffer any more. He is up there happy with all our other lost lotz’s god bless you Barry love and will miss you LOTZ

  10. Barry, I don’t know if you can hear my prayers but I know the Lord does and He’s right next to you. Tell him for me, Jesus. Barry, you are one of the best friends I ever had. I am so grateful to have been your friend. You are deep in my heart and will remain there until I come to join you. Remember when we rolled the golf cart on the first fairway at 2:00am? How about the motorcycle races around the race track. I won didn’t I? Who’s fort was the best? I remember being the one that used a slingshot to put out the street lights so we could run down the street with the plywood we stole from the new house being built. I think we nabbed 20 sheets that night.

    Fast forward to the late night paddle tennis and the meatball tournaments. Or how about the time we caught so many sunnies in the pond that we were teeing them up to see who could hit them the furthest. Joyful moments with you were endless.

    Barry, I really miss you. You inspired me to be myself regardless what anyone else thought. Free…. to be me . Thanks for that. My Life’s been truly blessed because you’ve been in it.

    Love ya, bro.
    Dave Coutts

    PS It’s funny, that when I prayed about what to write, all I could come up with is what was good………… I think that’s what Grace is.

  11. If the picture makes you angry I think its a good thing. It should evoke strong emotion. The disease of Addiction is Powerful and obviously Deadly. It takes a sweet and intelligent man and beats him down to a moment when a picture, in that moment, is what he has left to him. It is not the sum of the man, but what the disease left him.
    I met Barry at a time when he was trying hard, not to end his life in this way. He was funny, well read and was struggling to alter the course his life had taken. I was very sad to read he had passed. Sad to think so many would not know there was more to him than a bottle of vodka and a pack of smokes. Addiction can happen to anyone. Remember people aren’t born thinking I can’t wait to be homeless and addicted, it happens slowly and you always think your able to stop.. tomorrow. God Bless You Barry, Keep Singing. I’ll Look for You when I get there.

  12. Thanks Jeff and Everett for your heartfelt comments. It’s good to hear from you, and hear your perspective. I am sorry about this happening to Barry. I was in the neighborhood back then. Barry was full of life, and I have fond (and painful!) memories of crashing on mini-bikes, running around the old property behind the Call’s (the racetrack?), smoking cigarettes and acting like teenagers. RIP, Barry. My love to all your family and friends.

    Trish Pottersmith (the teenager formerly known as Patty Potter.)

  13. My husband & I knew Barry for a long time but we haven’t seen him in years. He was always a good guy, very hard worker. My mom hired him to do some repairs in her home, he was always kind to her & always finished the job.. She said he was always reliable! We had a lot of fun back in the day with Barry, he had a heart of gold. We are so sorry to hear about his passing. Rest in peace Barry, you are no longer fighting the demon , you are now in the hands of God!! Carolyn & Jim Falzon

  14. Barry Lotz was old Morristown, his family used to own Lotz lincoln Mercury.

    Tragedy followed Barry, I remember his older brother was involved in a tragic accident on sussex ave when were starting high school. I’m sure this affected him over the years.
    Barry was also a good friend from high school, a great smile and a great all around man.
    I haven’t seen Barry in 35 years but i will always remember his blond hair and his smile.

    RIP my friend

  15. This is a very sad story that was reported accurately and with sensitivity. Anyone who knows Kevin Coughlin, Editor of MG, knows he is very respectful and sensitive in this situation. I did not know the man but my heart goes out to his family. It is never easy to deal with the pain of loss, especially when it is tragic. When people experience the pain of grief and feel helpless it is so easy to lash out at the messenger. In pain sometimes we find the better route to ease that pain is to help others.

    Berit, I am interested in your proposal to join you to troubleshoot the homeless problem. It is much more complicated than people realize.

  16. Barry was a wonderful, kind and always up beat guy that love to dance. He worked as a carpenter. He built several shops he the Headquarters Plaza building.

  17. I knew Barry a long time ago. Always a smile on his face and a song in his kind heart. I have alot of great memories of my time spent with Barry. I am saddened by this loss and more that we had lost contact years ago when I moved out of the area. I pray for peace and healing for the Lotz family.

    Barry, I know your up there in heaven looking down on all of us who knew , loved and cared about you. I know your up there singing away, and probably teaching the angels a few new songs! Your pain is over, Rest in Eternal Peace, and be a guardian angel to all you left behind.

  18. This was very sad news to hear about Barry. I am comforted to know he now is in a better place and in the Lord’s hands. May he be remembered for the true qualities that defined who he was: A good friend, a comedian, and a gentle soul who could light up a room. May he rest in peace knowing that he had many friends that will miss him and considered him a person that brought joy and laughter to their lives.

  19. I also agree that this picture was exploitative and dismissive, and many people I have spoken too agree. Incredibly poor taste.

  20. So sad I was raised I lived in morristown and I know exactly where that is.poor man was probably sick and that cold did him in.this story breaks my heart.

  21. Please let me start by saying God Bless Barry. He struggled each and every day with a disease that consumed him and, in the long run, won. That being said, I am disgusted and quite appalled at the picture taken and the article that followed. I do not care about Barry’s rap sheet from five years ago, and apparently neither did he. I do not believe it has any relevance to this very sad end to a humans life. As for the picture, well, Mr. Coughlin should find another profession. The film he wasted taking pictures of an empty vodka bottle, would have been better spent on taking pictures of his resume. I do hope at the end of his life, there is more there then a disposable camera.
    Another thing that bothered me was that the article and title, kept referring to him as homeless. I do not believe that Barry was homeless. He may have been at one time, but to my knowledge, he was living with family. Myself and my co-wokers called him cabs quite frequently, to an actual address.
    Finally, the point is, a life was lost. Lets not loose sight of that.

  22. Barry Lotz: Funny, hopeful, loyal friend, extremely energetic, fearless, hardworking, skilled carpenter, resourceful, independent, never wanting to trouble anyone, a born again lover of the Lord with a heart sensitive enough to recognize God’s love, protection and favor on his life and humble enough to get on his knees and give thanks for the smallest of blessings. Always quick to pitch in and help someone in need. We should all aspire to be described in such a fashion. A few years ago Barry shared with me how only days after surrendering his life to the Lord, he hit a telephone pole with his truck, the accident should have killed him as the truck’s engine ended up on his lap. This was one of several accidents that should have ended Barry’s life…BUT GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN! Barry had many more lives to touch, and despite his challenges over the last years of his life, he impacted many more. My brothers, sister and I knew Barry from childhood and I was personally blessed to give him a lift back home to his Dad’s only a couple of weeks ago, as we laughed about how ‘the Lord’ had helped him find his new teeth he had misplaced only the day before. We will remember him for his characteristic ‘whistle’ that served as a call out to his friends, his pitching escapades for “The Other Team” and his ability to detail a car like no other. Barry you certainly will be missed and remembered – not for your struggles but for the laughter and joy you brought to so many. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again in a better place. Steve Coutts & The Coutts Family (A Photo of our friend: https://www.dropbox.com/s/irmm9cg8lgea5ef/Barry%20Lotz.PNG?dl=0 )

  23. Perhaps someone has a picture of the deceased that can be posted? Putting a face on this issue will only help to garner support. The current pic will do nothing to further the cause of helping the homeless.

  24. So, he was probably trying to make his way to what he sort of remembered was a safe place that could help him (the First Baptist Church daytime shelter that is “now closed” – remember that HUGE fire that almost burned that Church to the ground? Every Church in this area and other Benefactors paid to help those 110 parishioners rebuild their Church – a consolidated effort which I applaud – as Juan said “There but for the Grace of God, go I”).

    He probably didn’t feel so well, and the door was locked, so he hunkered down out of the wind, and then he passed. Let’s wait for the Autopsy Report.

    It calls to my mind the unsolved Morristown murder on 8/11/1980 of Richard Sikorsky age 27 who lived alone in the Basement Apartment at 23 Western Avenue. He had just weeks ago moved from the now defunct YMCA building to his own apartment. He was either very happy or very scared about his life to come. He also had his demons that he was trying so hard to conquer. Barry lasted a lot longer than Richard, to Barry’s credit. Barry, from the Comments here seemed to have tried his best to seize the little part of life that he was given. I believe both are in Heaven and now sharing memories of Morristown.

    I never knew or met Barry, but it seems many others did and cared enough about him to comment here. Tell the “good” Barry stories, especially about his singing, and let his memory live on in your hearts.

  25. I can’t recall any other story in recent years that has had the effect on my heart as this one has. First I’d like to say that I’m so grateful that Mr. Lotz had so many people that loved & cared about him. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments from each of you & how Barry made a difference in each of your lives.
    Each of us has our own perspective on how the ‘media’ tries to portray a ‘story’…good…bad…indifferent.
    But, I felt compelled to respond to some of your comments w/regard to how the story was covered. I suppose since I didn’t have a personal relationship w/Mr Lotz, I have a slightly different perspective.
    When I initially read the headline & saw the photo; I personally felt a sense of sadness; not anger that somehow Mr Lotz was being exploited by the press. If there had been a picture of Mr.Lotz in the stairwell; that would have been a different story.
    I just hope that all the people that have commented would be willing to come together & form a committee & troubleshoot for all the other homeless people we have here in our community. I’ll be the ‘note taker’ if anyone else would like to join me…

  26. I am sorry to hear this news. But I am also happy for Barry…I am a God loving man and I am delighted to know he is in a better place. Barry, God Bless You!, we all have ways of succeeding and God took you when you asked – you made it Buddy.
    Barry was a dearly loved friend from the ages of 10 to 17. I’m telling you, we were a neighborhood gang with countless sleep-outs, fort building, mini bike riding, golfing, ping pong, paddle tennis, bicycling, late night walks to the Lakawana Diner to get French Fries and of course smoking and drinking. He was fun, kind, respectful, hard working amongst many other genuine attributes that you wanted in a friend. Honestly, Barry contributed to my childhood positively that help mold me today – thank you, for making me understand what friends really mean. I am sorry that he continued on a path that was laden with demons that he could not overcome. It breaks my heart that I couldn’t or wasn’t more helpful, but I am certain there are many of us that feel similar. After all he was through, he was still a kind man, whom maintained his dignity and sense of humor as I ran across him on a rare occasion having lived out of state. Barry, please know that you are remembered and you will be missed. Please say hello to Michael, Phil and Mark.
    On behalf of the Neighborhood,
    Jeff

  27. Our condolences to Mr. Lotz’s family and friends at this sad time. If you would like to write a remembrance, we will share it here on Morristown Green.

  28. Thank you for the understanding, compassion and love shown for Barry by many of the friends and acquaintances who shared here their comments and feelings about Barry. We are pleased that people saw and remembered the good side of Barry during his lifetime. His life was continually plagued by the demon alcoholism and he perpetually struggled with it. He tried many times to overcome it but alcoholism is a cunning, baffling and powerful disease that he could not defeat. Regarding the pictures and notations: a baseball cap, plastic bottle, pack of cigarettes and one sneaker does NOT depict totally a man’s worth, his life’s achievements or its shortcomings. He was much more than that and was loved and will be missed by many. Rest in peace,Barry! We will always love you!!! A Family member

  29. Sometimes the truth hurts. I find this story fair, so don’t blame the messenger, at least this reporter let people know what happened to their friend. A friend, who was obviously beyond the help of many, family and friends included.

    I believe the reason Morristown is home to so many of the poor and homeless is because we are more compassionate than our neighbors. Why not bash Barry’s home town instead of the place he choose to make his home when he did not feel welcome elsewhere.

  30. No one should ever discredit a man’s life like this. The pictures used are inappropriate and insulting. Barry Lotz had a beautiful soul and it disgusts me that this is the way people who didn’t know him will have to remember him. Classless move, MorristownGreen.com.

  31. Barry was a Dear friend to my Wife and i..and lived with us for several years. He was a free spirit and couldnt quite seem to settle down. He had his demons as many of us do…but the good in him certainly outweighed the bad…and He made me Laugh on a regular basis! He was friendly and gregarious and had a child like quality about him…and stopped by from time to time for a hot bowl of soup and a sandwich. He gave me the nick-name Uncle Bill..and to this day i still dont know why!l He had a good Heart and i Loved him very Much. And i no longer have to worry about him when the cold weather comes around as i always did…for he is in Gods Kingdom and knows no pain. I certainly dont wish to end this post on a negative note…and i understand people have a job to do. But the Picture taken by Mr. Coughlin of a sneaker and a bottle of Vodka…and touted as the man’s only possessions is Absolutely Despicable! He had much more than that…He had People who Loved him! Rest in Peace my Friend…i will see again one day. Yours Truly, Uncle Bill

  32. Have a little respect for the man. The title and picture are in very bad taste. Sorry he wasn’t part of the elite that make up MorristownGreen.com. He was a good person who fell on hard times and needed help. Your website is a disgrace.

  33. If Barry was a fairly small man, I believe we passed him in a doorway, possibly passed out, in front of one of the restaurants on South Street. The shoe looks to be familiar with the ones worn that night. Someone was with him.

  34. The arrival repeated that he was found at a church God bless the poor man he may also have thought it was a church. That is no church or he wouldn’t have been outside all over this country men are dying outside of churches I myself am homeless but I know what a church is and these buildings aren’t them.

  35. But for the Grace of God, go I.

    A decade ago, an old friend of mine lived in an apartment which overlooked the backyard of Mr.Lotts which was located off a quiet side road in downtown Morristown. Whenever I would stop by my friend’s apartment, I would always ask, “Is he out there again?” I’m not sure why I asked since I knew the answer already. As consistent as a morning song bird, Barry would be in the backyard singing away to a tune on a transistor radio while diligently washing and waxing a car that someone had dropped off for him to do his magic on. Entertaining as his singing and antics were, I always appreciated the zest he had for a sunny day, or a Led Zep song on the radio while suppressing as much as he could of the demon that greeted him each morning. Those of us in the neighborhood who knew of his dilemma, never thought any less of him for it, and many of us, in our own little way, rooted/prayed for Barry and hoped that he would overcome his obstacle one day. As the years passed, Barry never lost his sense of humor or his kind-heartedness and I would always try to spend a few minutes with him when we crossed paths to see how he was doing. Never a complaint, unless provoked, always a smile and an ask for a cigarette – Barry was a people-person, no doubt. I was saddened to read of the passing of Barry this afternoon and hope there is some peace with his family during this time. Rest in Peace Barry.

  36. Rest in Peace Barry…..you don’t have to be in pain anymore. I’m confident that your death will not be in vain. Morristown has gained a reputation as being compassionate towards our homeless population. This is never more evident than during the time of the year when the frigid temps settle into our region.
    I wouldn’t be surprised if the town is currently working on a plan to open warming stations in the coming days since we are supposed to be experiencing below average temps for this time of the year.
    To Mr. Lotz’s family,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. But hopefully as a result of your loved one’s untimely passing, we can learn from it & we won’t have to go down this road again this season or EVER.

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