George Gosen

George was born on December 1, 1939, the oldest of five children of the late George and Elizabeth Gosen of Weehawken, NJ. As a child, he was instilled with a positive attitude, gratitude and sense of service which he carried throughout his life. He attended Weehawken Public Schools where he was involved in sports and student council and made many dear friendships that have continued throughout his life. After graduating with honors from Weehawken High School in 1958, George went on to study Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelors degree, then went on to earn a Masters degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. He valued learning, sharing his wisdom and solving everyday problems with clever ingenuity.

In 1965, George married the beautiful Patricia Kelly, also of Weehawken, whom he had known since grammar school. George was a loving husband, and he and Pat were always together, gardening, playing tennis, working around the house or spending time with extended family. Their marriage was exceptionally happy and admired by all who knew them. George and Pat had three children: George, Geralyn and Elizabeth. He was a devoted and generous father, who was adored by his children. Some of his favorite times were spent with his extended family in Tannersville NY – a tradition his family continues today. His work ethic, curiosity, and sharp mind were an inspiration to his children. In addition to filling his home with laughter by way of his unique puns and endearing quick wit, George filled his house with delicious meals and Syrian sweets, which he delighted in sharing with so many people. Friday night spaghetti with George’s special sauce was a favorite family tradition, one he lovingly continued with his trademark chef’s dishtowel slung over his shoulder! George was also loved by his children’s spouses and his eight grandchildren, with whom George demonstrated his dexterity in the kitchen, patiently teaching his grandchildren family recipes and passing on family traditions with an infectious smile and a sparkle in his eye.

George had an illustrious career at Merck & Co. spanning over three decades where he achieved great professional success and was beloved by all. He cherished his work there, especially his final role as Executive Director, Agriculture and Animal Health Division. His colleagues meant so much to him and often became dear friends. After the 1994 passing of his darling wife, Patricia, he later retired to spend more time golfing, cycling, cooking, watching the stock market, volunteering and spending time with his family and friends.

George was very active, loving, well-known and beloved in his community. He loved living and raising his family in Ridgefield Park, celebrating the Fourth of July in the town’s special way and serving on the Ridgefield Park Shade Tree Commission for over 40 years, as well being Treasurer of the Ridgefield Park Public Library. And more recently, he also spent his time as an Usher at Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus.

If you knew George, you could easily picture him smiling at everyone in the room, and telling you how great you were (and how great he was!)…as long as you laughed at his corny jokes. After a quick wink, he would take out his handy little pocket-knife and tell you an interesting, but obscure, fact you obviously never knew…or probably cared about. But somehow you knew that you were that much smarter as a result! This was all part of his unstoppable charm. If his family ever had a mayor, it would be George. And everyone simply loved him.

George was predeceased by his wife, Pat, his father, George Gosen Sr., his mother, Elizabeth Gosen, his sister, Carol Sayour; his in-laws, Margaret and James Kelly, and his brother-in-law Thomas Kelly and wife Kathleen. He is survived by his children: George Gosen III and his wife Stacia; Geralyn Lalevee and her husband Bob; Elizabeth Gosen Greguske and her husband Steve; his eight beloved grandchildren: George, Kate and Anne Gosen; Ryan, Sarah and Jason Lalevee; and Grace and Emma Greguske; his siblings: brother, Al Gosen and wife Janie; brother-in-law Paul Sayour, husband of his late sister Carol; sister, Janice Kasbar and husband John; and sister, Linda Piastro and husband Paul; sister-in-law Gerri Pizzuta and husband James and brother-in-law James Kelly and wife Margaret. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

In 1997, George was blessed to have started a long and beautiful relationship with Joan Kashuba of Secaucus, NJ. George and Joan loved trying new restaurants, spending time with each other’s families and their wide circle of friends, and planning their High School reunions. He is survived by Joan and her children: Glen Kashuba and his wife Dyanne; Kristin Recenello and her husband Sam; Craig Kashuba and his wife Maureen; and Amy Paulus and her husband Bobby; Don Caputo, a cherished family friend; and Joan's eight grandchildren: Jackson, Lukas, Mia, Talia, Nicholas, Faith, Andi and Cole.

Visitation will be held at Mack Memorial Home in Secaucus NJ on Friday December 15th from 3 to 7PM. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday December 16th at 9:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus NJ. followed by his interment at Maryrest Cemetery 770 Darlington Avenue Mahwah, NJ 07430.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ridgefield Park Shade Tree Commission, an organization George was part of for many years. Checks should be made out to The Village of Ridgefield Park with the memo line: Shade Tree for George Gosen. This can be mailed to: Ridgefield Park Village Clerk, attn: Shade Tree Committee, 234 Main St., Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660.