George William Huss

George W. Huss was born on an auspicious Friday the 13th,1925 to Catherine (Beckman) and George Buck Huss in Lakewood. A Lakewood Piner born and raised, he grew up in the Huss Building on Second Street above his father’s butcher shop. Upon completion of 8th grade at Clifton Avenue Grade School, he attended Lakewood High School, graduating in 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy, and, being already well-versed in short wave radio and Morse code, went to radio school. During World War II he was stationed on the USS Missisinewa as a RM3c, and survived a manned torpedo attack in the early hours of November 20th, 1944. When the war ended, he took advantage of the GI bill and went to Rider College, and then on to NYU to pursue his MBA. Upon graduation, he began working for the state of New Jersey, eventually becoming a CPA and a RMA.

In January of 1951, he met his future wife, Helen Duling of Manhattan, at the Balalaika in Lakewood, and by September they married and began their family. He began a career at Samuel Klein and Co. from which he eventually retired as its president. He commuted to the city of Newark every day so his children could grow up in Lakewood too. George said he never worked a day in his life because he was born with a gift for numbers. He was an active member of his cherished community, including the Lions Club, as an usher at the church where he was baptized and married, St Mary of the Lake. He also devoted many years to Volunteer Fire Co. # 4, continuing his involvement with the exempt firemen until recently.

He was the beloved patriarch of a large family, and famous for his malapropisms, slyly off-color humor, booming laugh, big bear hugs, and being a walking encyclopedia of Lakewood history and lore.

Predeceased by his wife, Helen, and his son, Philip August, he is survived by five children Elizabeth Ann and Kevin Gavan, Katherine Maria and Frank Conte, George Alexander, Mary Elizabeth and Paul Zetelski and Eric Mitchell Huss and Melissa. His grandchildren include Jennifer Huss, Kevin & Jennifer, and Kieran Gavan, Annaleigh (Conte) & Tom Halldorson, Alex, Jonathan & Emily, Nena Huss & Chris, Genevieve, Jessica (Zetelski) & James Snell, Alexander & Kathy Zetelski, and Grace Elizabeth Huss.

He also adored his great-grandchildren Ivy Georgia, Finn, Ayla, Ava, Parker, Quinn, Demmi, August, Samantha, Jimmy, Willow and River.

Friends and family are invited to be with us at D’elia’s Funeral Home, Friday 3/14 2-4 & 7-9. Mass is at St. Mary of the Lake Saturday 3/15 at 10:30 with burial to follow St. Mary Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Catholic Charities or VNA hospice.