Joseph A. Zgurzynski

Joseph Anthony Zgurzynski, age 76, of Kingwood Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

Son of the late Stanley and Stella (Kosiarski) Zgurzynski, Joe was the beloved husband of Georgianna (Burns) Zgurzynski, loving father of Joseph (Alexia) Zgurzynski, Paul (Karen) Zgurzynski, John (Mary Noël) Zgurzynski, Noël Ann (Edward) Szado and Michael Zgurzynski, cherished grandfather of Mary, Julia, Lily, Annabella, John Thomas, Paul Joseph, Joseph, Jane, Luca, Evan, Nico, and Max, brother of Stanley (Dale) Zgurzynski, Florence (Thomas) Haas and Sister Julia Marie Zgurzynski FSSE, and brother-in-law of Diana (Edward) Pierce.

Born in Rahway, NJ, Joe lived in Clark, NJ for twenty-three years before moving to Kingwood Township, NJ in 1969. He graduated from Arthur Johnson Regional High School in 1962. Joe received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Biology from Villanova University in 1966. He worked as a Certified Industrial Hygienist for NJ Manufacturers Insurance Company in Trenton, NJ, for ten years. Prior to that, he worked as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Givaudan and Hoffmann-LaRoche for twenty-seven years. Joe was a member of the Our Lady of Victories Church in Baptistown, NJ and the Knights of Columbus where he was a past Grand Knight. He was also a longtime member of the New Jersey State Beekeepers Association and the Kingwood Township Environmental Commission.

Joe had a love for fishing, agriculture, physical fitness, beekeeping, gardening, and nature. He passed these loves on to his children and grandchildren, who are now avid fishermen, beekeepers, athletes, gardeners and lovers of nature. He cherished time with his family and friends. Joe and his wife Georgianna lived a pastoral life in rural Kingwood Township, NJ. He has friends and family spread across the country, and he loved to visit them and bring them together every year for his annual Fourth of July picnic at his ‘Zgurzynski Ponderosa’.

A private funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Victories Church in Baptistown, NJ. Interment will take place at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, NJ. There will be a celebration of life for Joe at a time to be determined. For those participating by Zoom, our meeting number is 360 135 1056 and password is zgurzynski.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231 www.heart.org or the Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202 www.heifer.org.

Condolences

From: PiA Rey-Doklan
My condolence to the family.

From: Tim Gallagher
I met Joe at OLV Parish years ago One if the nicest men I had ever met. Dedicated man to both his family and church. It al ate made my day to see him and have a nice discussion about life. God Bless his family during these difficult times RIP Joe

From: Mary Borsky
So so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing May he Rest In Peace I thank God for all his and his family help in my care of his brother Stanley and wife Dale We hope to be part of the service v Zoom May God comfort you all

From: Leslie and Rich Callanan
We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a special man who was always positive and kind. He made a difference in his community through his volunteerism . Joe will be missed. Leslie and Rich Callanan

From: Lee Williamson
What a great man. He was an inspiration to myself and many others.

From: Pamela Somers
Please know how much I, as one of his Tai Chi classmates at Healthquest, will miss Joe. He brought joy with him to every class. Thank you to Joe's family for sharing him with us. Pam Somers

From: Donald Kosiarski & Family
Joe always greeted everyone warmly with a big smile, and shared his time and talents freely. We have so many fond memories of the numerous 4th of July picnics and family visits. His positive and happy spirit brought tons of joy and laughter to our family over the years, and we are forever grateful. We will miss Joe dearly, but we'll always cherish those precious memories --and especially that signature smile. May it comfort you to know that he is at peace with Jesus.

From: Jim Clancy
I was really sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I worked with him for many years. He loved fishing with his sons and golfed in our league. Actually got me to try yoga (no small feat) RIP my friend!

From: Bob Steinberg
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He was a good friend to many of the Golden Agers and parishioners of St Edward’s.

From: Carol Harrison
My prayers to all the family during this very rough time for you. Joe’s presence at OLV will be greatly missed, and please know your church family are praying for God’s comfort and peace for Joe and for your family. Carol Harrison

From: AL Kosiarski
When I was in grade school i will always remember Joe showing me how to fold the Cake boxes for Stella's bakery downstairs when we visited. I'll always remember when on the first day of Trout fishing, Stanly, Joe , My Dad and Brother Bill would meet at the river in Long Valley for a great day of fishing. Joe was always positive and and kind. he always greeted everyone with a big smile and I have so many fond memories of the annual 4th of July Zgurzynski / Kosiarski picnic. He encouraged me to join the Knights of Columbus and so so happy when I did. There are so many precious wonderful memories that i could write pages of. I will greatly miss Joe. Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God . Rest in peace. Al kosiarski

From: Ken Zagari
Sending my deepest sympathy to the Zgurzynski family. Joe was the Grand Knight when I joined the Knights of Columbus. He was such a caring person , always willing to take the time to talk with me and others about our responsibilities as Knights and as Catholics.I also enjoyed going over to get firewood from Joe. I will sadly miss him. May his soul rest in eternal happiness.

From: The Bydalek Family
We so enjoyed and will greatly miss comparing fishing adventures each weekend after mass, and more recently bee-keeping conversation. We join with our community to celebrate a wonderful man who always took time to say hello and check in with the warmest smile. Mark, Maureen, Addie and Ian Bydalek

From: Ted Pryll
Georgianna and Family Joanne and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Joe was my oldest and dearest friend. We grew up together sharing many memories. Even though we lost contact over the years I am grateful we were able to reconnect and share some wonderful times, fishing, talking on the phone, attending his 4th of July picnic. He touched many lives and he will be missed. Like you I find it hard to believe he is gone. We fished together in October on a beautiful day. I will always remember our time together. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely Ted Pryll

From: Arlene Shulman
I shared many years of Tai Chi with Joe and he was a total love and tender soul whose smile warmed my heart everytime we met. I will miss him. Blessings to his large family who were so blessed to have him as a dad and granddad.

From: Ginni (HARRIS) & Phil Cozzi
Phil and I are so deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s death. I was a classmate of his at ALJ and reconnected with him at our last two reunions. We also got to visit with Georgeanne and Joe at their farm and enjoy their hospitality and kindness. How we will all miss this gentle, loving, and generous man. Our deepest sympathies to Georgeanne and their beautiful family.

From: Anthony Dey
I was Joe’s golf partner at NJM’s golf league for over ten years. Joe was a great mentor to me. He always greeted everyone with a smile. He was always calm, positive and inspiring. He always knew the right things to say to ease the pressure during our matches. He really loved his family, his church, exercising, fishing, and bee keeping. I’ll miss his friendship but I will always remember his kindness, his warm demeanor, and his love for his family and life.

From: BOB KERNAN
REST IN PEACE. . TO ALL JOE'S FAMILY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

From: Mark Murray
I cannot think of another man I spent so little time with that had such a great impact on my life. I admired his great love of family, friends and nature. He was a role model and an inspiration. He was so fit it is hard to believe he was taken from us so young. I will miss him at future family functions. His legacy is secured by his children and grand children, who so obviously take after their parents. My deepest condolences and love to all of them.

From: Jim Brandl
Jim Brandl Joe and I worked together back in the 70's and 80's. Joe was one of those people that always had a positive influence on people. His gentile nature, ability to really listen to people, and willingness to help others came through in everything he did (not to mention that beaming smile of his). He certainly had a positive, lasting influence on my life. I can truly say the world is a better place because of Joe. Rest in Peace my Friend

From: Bruce Williamson
So sorry to learn of Joe's passing, was always a pleasure to talk with him , he will be missed

From: Michelina Fato
Dear Zgurzynski family. I am so sorry for the loss of Joe. He was such a kind man and I always remember him with a big smile. He was warm and caring. I wish you all peace and many fond memories. Miki.

From: The Fishmans
Joe was the kindest man. He lived his life bravely, kindly and thoroughly enjoying the gifts that God gave him. The best testament to his life are his amazing children who live their lives with the same dignity and joy their Father had. Georgianna, we send you all our love and prayers during this difficult, sad time. We love you Zs! Alex, Annie, Carol and Eloise

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