George Joseph Andrzejewski

It all began on April 14, 1930 at 1144 ½ Broad Street in Newark, NJ where George Joseph Andrzejewski was born to Helen (Tryczynski) and Alexander Antoni Andrzejewski. His parents–immigrants from Poland (Lezjask and Poznan, respectively)–named their son after George Washington and Józef Piłsudski, the father of modern Poland. George grew up in Newark where his parents owned a delicatessen, and under the watchful and doting eye of his beloved big sister, Lottie.

After graduating from East Side High School in Newark, George enlisted in the Army and became a PFC in the 3d Cavalry. His tank was the M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight."

Following his graduation from Seton Hall University, he worked as a chemist before starting his teaching career. He first taught at Stratford High School in Connecticut where he met fellow teacher and his future bride, Joan Kuhar. Together, they worked to form their school district’s first teacher’s union (they both remained union activists throughout their careers).

Joan and George were married in June 1962 and began their adventure together with a summer-long roadtrip throughout East-Central Europe in a brand new Saab they picked up in Luxembourg City.

They settled in Orange, CT. While teaching, George also pursued a master’s degree in nuclear chemistry at the University of New Hampshire which required the newly married couple to spend three fun summers in New Hampshire.

George–motivated by adventure and the need for a larger salary to support his growing family–pursued a teaching opportunity in Uganda. George, Joan and their two kids (a toddler, Alex, and newborn, Alicia) left for Uganda where he headed the science department for the Tororo Girls School. They had tremendous adventures exploring East Africa (as well as Europe and the Middle East) for nearly five years.

After Idi Amin assumed power, it became clear that it was time to return to the US. Next stop: the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. There, George pursued another master’s degree.

The family then moved to New City, NY where George lived for the next five decades. He taught chemistry, earth science and physics at Dobbs Ferry Middle and High Schools until retiring in the late 1990s. However, George didn’t quit teaching–he taught for several more years at Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, NJ and also subbed in schools throughout Rockland and Bergen counties until the ripe old age of 89 years!

For the past several years, George partnered with his daughter, Anastasia, on their antique business–the eponymous George’s Toy Chest, LLC. Throughout his life George, was an avid collector, particularly of stamps, toy soldiers and books of all sorts. He was a long-time member of the Pascack Valley Stamp Club and attended toy soldier shows up and down the East Coast and as far away as Chicago. He loved flea markets, garage sales, auctions and antique stores.

His appreciation of historical objects was complemented by his avid love of history. George had a particular penchant for books on Poland, WWII and Uganda and always seemed to be in the middle of more than one book. Reading the local paper and The New York Times was a mandatory part of the day. He read the papers cover to cover, particularly enjoyed the obituaries, and always clipped out articles for friends and family. And, of course, he loved to travel and was thrilled to travel domestically and internationally well into his 80s.

George was a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat and served as a dedicated committeeman for the Rockland County Democrats. He was a diehard member of Veterans for Peace, and joined peace and anti-war activists who held a vigil Saturday after Saturday for several years on a corner of Route 59 in Nanuet, NY.

George also loved his sports–particularly Army football and Seton Hall basketball. He was a season ticket holder for both teams for several years.

George is survived by Joan, his wife of 60 years; their children: Alexander (Jill), Alicia (Robert), and Anastasia (Kristian); and granddaughters, Christina and Jessica. He was grateful for his wide network of extended family and friends.

A celebration of George’s long and rich life will be held Saturday, September 10, with a visitation from 9-10:30am at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. A graveside service will take place at the Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spring Valley, NY at 11am. A luncheon celebration will follow; George voiced his desire that his friends and family gather together to raise a glass to celebrate his 92 years of love, passion and eccentricity! All are encouraged to wear red and white as a nod to George’s Polish pride.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in George's memory to Veterans for Peace.