Wayne Packer, Hoboken Artist and Devoted Family Man, Passes Away at 71

In Loving Memory of Wayne Packer

Wayne Zachary Packer, a beloved husband, father, and artist, passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2024, at the age of 71, surrounded by his family.

Born on October 7, 1953, in New York, Wayne was raised in Far Rockaway and later in Cedarhurst, NY. From a young age, Wayne demonstrated an innate artistic talent, which led him to study at the Rhode Island School of Design, Queens College, and the Nova Scotia School of Art and Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was an early conceptual artist whose work was discovered and included by curators from Documenta in Kassel, Germany and Printed Matter in NYC where his NSCAD press book "Edge" was introduced.

He met his future wife, Minna, as a student at NSCAD in 1974. They married December 26, 1976 and moved to New York City and in 1978 to Hoboken, New Jersey. Together, they opened Coup de Grace Gallery in Hoboken, later expanding into Soho, NYC.

Wayne's career evolved over the years, combining his work as a sculptor to founding his own fabrication business. Later, he combined work as a designer with project management, designing international trade show displays. During this period he wrote a book about the manufacturing process in the modern era called "The Lean Life". His ability to blend creativity and philosophy with practicality was a hallmark of his professional life.

A true Renaissance man, Wayne's hobbies were as eclectic as his taste in music, which ranged from contemporary classical music (Philip Glass, Steve Reich) to neo pop (Brian Eno, Patti Smith, Lou Reed) to classical and jazz. His voracious reading ranged from philosophy to fiction.
He was a lifelong walker, finding peace and meditation on his long journeys, whether it was four miles to and from work or forty miles trekking across the vast landscapes of Death Valley with nothing but a backpack and survivalist essentials. A minimalist through and through, Wayne appreciated the essential meaningful moments in life.

After Wayne and Minna settled in Hoboken, NJ, they purchased an old, defunct coal storage warehouse, and transformed it into a beautiful artist loft that became their family home. It was there that they raised their children, Mimi and Soren, in an environment bursting with creativity, love, and support. Wayne's dedication as a father and husband was unparalleled; he lived his life in service to his family, always putting their well-being first.

In 2020, Wayne was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Despite the severity of his illness, he faced every moment with remarkable courage and bravery, choosing not to let it define him. Wayne surpassed the expectations of such a difficult disease and lived over four years with the illness. He proudly walked his daughter Mimi down the aisle when she married Dan, dancing at her wedding. He welcomed the birth of Soren and Elina's children, his four grandchildren encouraging their development and burgeoning interests in music and art, and joyfulness.
He lived each day of his final years with the same values and qualities that defined his life - with positivity, kindness, hope, humor, acceptance, and abundant love.

In addition to his many roles as an artist, father, and husband, Wayne spent much of his last decade caring for his wife, Minna, through her illness. His steadfast dedication to her well-being was a testament to his unwavering love and commitment.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 48 years, Minna; his children Mimi (Dan) and Soren (Elina) and his four grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Douglas. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Edith and Milton, and his sister Carol.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jeanne and Bob Becker, whose unwavering friendship and support provided immense strength and comfort to Wayne and Minna throughout his final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the United Synagogue of Hoboken where Wayne and Minna were members, and to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where he was treated during his illness. Wayne was grateful for the attention and care he received from his medical team, and as a lifelong lover of art and design, he often remarked on the beautiful architecture and art displayed throughout the facilities, which brought him comfort during his treatments.