George Cuje Jr., 90, of Rumson, passed away peacefully Feb. 10, 2021, with his loving family at his side.
He was born in Fair Haven to parents George and Leola and was raised in Red Bank along with his sisters Sissy, Evelyn and Marjorie and brothers Sonny, Leonard, Robert, Walter and James. He married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Friscia, of Rumson, July 18, 1953, and they moved to Rumson shortly thereafter.
George served in the U.S. Marines and was in the 2nd Motor Transport Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant Feb. 18, 1954. He served his term alongside his childhood buddies William Thorpe and James Braney and shared many worldly adventure stories with friends and family.
After his service in the Marine Corps, George owned and operated a successful landscaping business, which included the employ of his sons and many of their friends from town. Eventually all who knew and respected him knew him as “Poppa Cuj.”
“C’mon let’s go!” became his adage, which amused everyone.
Dedication to his family was never ending. We’ll always remember the ski excursions with him and mom during his winter hiatus. The memory of his laughter at family gatherings will always be with us. You will be sadly missed “Daddy Dear!”
George was predeceased by his mother Leola; his father George; his loving wife Mary; and his sons James and William. He is survived by his daughters, Patti Hensler of McLeansville, North Carolina, and Mary Jane Beaubreault and her husband Michael of Rumson; and sons, Douglas and his wife Judy of Marathon, Florida, George III of Port Monmouth, John and his wife Eileen of Fair Haven, and David and his wife Claire of Oceanport. He also has 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation was Feb. 15 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Following a private service, family and friends were welcome to attend George’s committal service Feb. 16, wearing their best ski outfit, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rumson PBA Local 345, P.O. Box 231, Rumson, NJ 07760 or Rumson First Aid, P.O. Box 89, Rumson, NJ 07760.
The article originally appeared in the February 18 – 24, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
