Longtime Rumsonite George Cuje Jr. passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Wednesday, Feb. 10. He was 90.

“There are certain people that are extra special … they make you laugh, share a story, make you feel loved … they live life to the fullest and you wish they can live forever … I know you are having a good laugh in heaven right now with our family that got there first!”

Loujeanne Cuje, George’s niece

Born in Fair Haven, to his parents George and Leola, George 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 on July 18, 1953, and they moved to Rumson shortly thereafter.

George served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was in the 2^nd Motor Transport Battalion, 2^nd 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, hence, sharing many worldly adventure stories with friends and family.

After his service with USMC, 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 preceded in death 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, NC, Mary Jane Beaubreault and her husband Michael, of Rumson; sons, Douglas and his wife Judy of Marathon, FL, George III, of Port Monmouth, John and his wife Eileen, of Fair Haven, and David and his wife Claire, of Oceanport; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Following a private service, family and friends are welcome to attend George’s committal service, and wear your best ski outfit, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rumson PBA Local 345, PO Box 231, Rumson, NJ 07760 or Rumson First Aid, PO Box 89, Rumson, NJ 07760.

In keeping with the current state mandates regarding COVID-19, face coverings must be worn by all visitors before entering the funeral home and visitors are also asked to observe social distancing. Visitors are asked to greet the family and then exit the funeral home so that others may also visit due to the limited, allowable capacity.

— Edited obituary prepared by loved ones via Thompson Memorial Home

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