George John Kowals, Sr., age 90 years, of Bridgewater Township, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Brandywine Assisted Living at Middlebrook Crossing, Bridgewater Township, NJ.

George was born at home on Grand Street in Jersey City, NJ on March 27, 1927 to the late Alexander Michael and Mary (nee Olszewski) Kowals. He was raised in Bayonne, NJ and had lived in Union, NJ and Delray Beach, Florida for many years prior to moving to Bridgewater, NJ last year.

George graduated from Seton Hall University with a BA in English. He accepted a job as an English teacher, but quickly realized he was meant for the business world.

George found his place in sales within the Food Industry. This was not surprising, as his father owned a grocery store while George was growing up. It was from his father, that George developed a strong work ethic and a great understanding of the grocery world and merchandising.  Eventually, George rose to Vice-President of Sales for A. Zerega and Sons; a Pasta Company in Fair Lawn, NJ.

During this time he also became the youngest President of the Grocers Manufacturers Representatives, a food trade organization. George possessed a drive and determination that was admired by his family and colleagues alike. His attention to detail, genuine caring demeanor and quick wit, made him both well respected and liked by all who knew him.

George later went on to own and operate, Kozi Liquors, the largest liquor store in Monmouth County at the time, from 1977-1983.  Upon retirement at the age of 56, he and Anne, his wife, moved to Delray Beach, FL.

A spiritual man, George was a member of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Union, NJ and St. Lucy Church in Highland Beach, Florida. George participated in the Loyola Jesuit Retreats in Morristown, NJ. He also was a member of the Choir and the Knights of Columbus while living in NJ. His singing started at an early age and he fondly recalled memories of twice achieving All State Chorus Recognition and of singing at Carnegie Hall to his family.

Work and dedication to providing for his family, was a major part of George’s life. The real joy in his life was his family. He was the quintessential family man. A loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, he did all he could do to insure his parents, wife and growing family were always taken care of in all regards.

He was married to Anne Marie Eleanor Slawinski Kowals, his wife, for 64 years. George and Anne were married on January 23, 1954 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Bayonne, NJ. Their relationship was a true love story, which was based on love and mutual respect. George was a man of values and he passed them on to the products of his and Anne Marie’s love, their three children, George Jr., William and Lisa Anne.

The three children fondly recall their father not only as a trusted advisor, but also as a friend. George, a man who was driven to success was both strong and gentle at the same time. A man who would do anything to make certain his family was well cared for. George had a passion for learning and traveling. The children remember fondly all the great historical vacations they experienced throughout their childhood. George felt very strongly that the “pool in the backyard” would not give his children a love of learning and of culture. George was a man who cared and simply just loved.

George’s love for traveling continued into his and Anne’s retirement. They had taken many cruises, traveled around the world and enjoyed every minute of their time together. One place he was especially proud to see was Poland. George was very proud of his Polish Heritage and enjoyed integrating many of the Polish Customs into Christmas and Easter Celebrations.

A member of  “the greatest generation”, George was laser sharp right until his passing in the early hours of Thursday Morning, March 1^st. His love of learning and staying on top of things continued into his 90’s. He read the Wall Street Journal daily and would save articles that he knew would benefit his children. He was a student of the Financial News. George was always on top of his game.

A remarkable person whose legacy will be forever emblazoned upon the hearts of all those who ever met him, George was preceded in death by his dear parents, whom he cared for until their deaths, as well as his siblings.

Surviving are his beloved family, his cherished wife, Anne Marie; his devoted children and their spouses, Lisa Anne (Kowals) and Robert Olender of Raritan Township, NJ; William and Donna Kowals of Belle Mead, NJ; and George and Maria Kowals of Manassas, VA; his loving grandchildren, Michael and Ava Grace Olender, Alexander and Marielle Kowals, and George Nichols; his sister-in-law Eleanor Eisele; many extended nieces and nephews; his devoted caregiver, Ross; and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Kenneth Brighenti will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, was private.

Please visit George’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution’s may be made in George’s honor and memory to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street Boys Town, NE 68010 or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”