George I. Hayek

George Hayek, 94, of Fredon was called Home to be with the Lord in the everlasting joy of Eternal Life on January 12, 2021 after a brief illness. George’s legacy lies in his profound love for his Catholic faith, his deep sacrificial and unconditional love for his family, his great joy for the community he served through his businesses and volunteer work, and his abiding commitment to the United States he served.

George was born in Clifton, New Jersey in 1926 to Elias and Nadima Hayek. He moved to Newton in 1937 when his father, Elias, opened Hayek’s Market. George was a graduate of Newton High School. In 1944 George enlisted with the Merchant Marines for World War II. He was sent to Panama, Manila Bay and the Philippine Islands, where he was when he received the news of the dropping of the atomic bomb. After the War George was sent with the Merchant Marines to Germany, France and England to pick up supplies and troops. Upon his return to New Jersey George joined the Army National Guard in Franklin from 1948-1951. George volunteered with the Army for the Korean War and was sent to Fort Hood, TX, Camp Polk, LA and Camp Kilmer, NJ, working in the military finance offices. George then served in the Reserves for 10 years in NJ.

George married his beloved wife Agnes in 1962. George was the true Patriarch of his family, loving as a Servant Leader. His legacy will live on through his five (5) children, Michael (Rita), Daniel (Denise), Christopher (Lily), Patricia and Andrew (Jennifer), seven (7) grandchildren, Loretta (Michael), Amanda, Josh, Alexandra, Julie, Natalie and Andrew George, and one great grandson, Theodore. He was predeceased by his Parents and his brother Mitchell. He is also survived by his sister Josephine Dibsie, cousin Teri Accad, several nieces and nephews and dear and devoted caretakers Valerie Purcell and Lucy, and many loving friends including Bernie and Barbara Andrews and Steve Okeson.

George’s sacrificial love for his family came very naturally, without a second thought. His greatest joy in life was to be surrounded by the love and laughter of his family. George went to great lengths to make this continuously possible, including providing beach vacations in Cape May for his family for the past seventeen (17) years. The endless cherished memories of happiness from these joyous vacations together as well as all the family holidays will continue to fill the hearts of George’s family. Wisdom was a gift George possessed, and his children and grandchildren have cherished his guidance and knowledge through each step of their lives. George’s quick wit, tender kindness, awe at even the smallest joys and radiant love for all who entered his path are hallmarks of his life.

George, along with his brother Mitchell, owned Hayek’s Market for 35 years before passing the family business on to George’s son Dan in 1991. The community of Newton was at the heart of George’s life. His joy was in serving customers and sharing stories and getting to know their children and grandchildren in years to come. Even in his retirement years, George loved to go to Hayek’s Market and sit at the Customer Service Desk or walk through stores in town and greet members of the community.

In his bachelor years, George became a private pilot and expert skier. True to his selfless nature, George put his love for risky adventure on hold while he committed himself fully to working to support and raise his family. But the love for adrenaline rushes never left George, and in his later years he continued to enjoy skydiving, riding a mechanical bull, airplane rides with aerobatics and glider rides.

George is also the co-owner of Delaware Family Campground, which he managed for ten (10) years after his retirement from Hayek’s Market, and former co-owner of Panther Lake Camping Resort. George’s many former community activities include Knights of Columbus Don Bosco Council 7784, St. Joseph’s Church Trustee, President of the Fredon Planning Board, fundraising committee for Don Bosco College, St, Joseph’s Thrift Shop Volunteer. George was recognized for his dedication to his community as a past recipient of the Fredon Township Senior Citizen of the Year Award and the designation as Grand Marshall of the 2017 Newton Memorial Day Parade.

The Hayek Family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Walter Grote for caring for George for over 30 years with the love of a son, and to the Newton Medical Center Medical and Pastoral Staff for their loving care for George and his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 24 Halsted Street, Newton. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, January 18, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton.

The Hayek Family understands some will be unable to be with us in person due to health concerns. We ask that you join with us during these times in love and prayer.

Donations in George’s name may be made to St. Joseph R.C. Church, 22 Halsted Street, Newton, NJ 07860 or Newton Medical Center, 175 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860.