Thadeus Drabik

Thadeus Drabik, age 92, of Rutherford, New Jersey passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 26, 2022. He was born in Wallington, New Jersey to Walter and Anne Drabik.

Thadeus, better known as Ted, was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. He later married the love of his life, Josephine Alongi in 1954. They built a life together in Rutherford, NJ, where they raised 2 children, Ronald and Gail.

Ted was a Port Authority police officer and worked on the George Washington Bridge. He retired after 25 years and later worked as a safety engineer for the insurance company USF&G. After retiring again in 1994, Ted and Josephine moved to Las Vegas where they lived the next 29 years. They both loved the dry climate and the close proximity to the famous strip where they both enjoyed the casinos, shows and buffets. Ted and Jo were married over 58 years and enjoyed many years of extensive travel visiting over 35 countries. Ted lived up to his wedding vows and taught all of us what “in sickness and in health” really meant after taking care of Jo for many years before her death. After Jo passed away in 2011, Ted remained in Vegas until 2016 when he moved back to New Jersey to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

Ted cherished his family and he made sure each family member felt his love. He believed in strong family values above everything as family was the most important part of his life. “Family Forever” was stitched across the pillows on his couch. He was the best friend, husband, father and grandfather (with 2 great grandchildren on the way) that anyone could have.

Plain and simple: Ted was an extraordinary man. He loved people and made friends wherever he went. He found the good in everyone. He saw the glass half full, never half empty. He always had a very positive attitude about life. He loved to play cards with poker and “31” being his favorite games. He was a good Polka dancer and he and Josephine won many contests. He loved music, the History channel, Jeopardy (which he often knew the answers to), all Polish food and old black and white movies. He also really loved his twizzlers and his chocolate. He was generous to a fault and his love of travel continued when he took the entire family on a 2- week Mediterranean cruise, 2- week land/sea Alaska cruise and lastly a 2- week River boat cruise down the Rhine river from Amsterdam to Switzerland; always traveling first class. He said that was the only way to go!

We feel very blessed and Lucky we had him in our lives but he will be missed beyond any words can ever express!

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine (Alongi) Drabik in 2011; their son, Ronald T.

Drabik in 1979; and his sister, Frances Jansen in 2019.

Ted is survived by his daughter, Gail Plaza and her husband Robert; grandson Robert Ronald Plaza and his wife Lauren; granddaughter Tara Gail Plaza-Delisa and her husband Michael Delisa; grandson Kyle Thadeus Plaza and his wife Adrianna.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be given at the Plaza home at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Thadeus’ memory may be made to a veterans’ charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bloomfieldcoopermanalapan.com for the Plaza family.