Obituary of George Jonovich

George Joseph Jonovich, age 87, of New Providence, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2020. George is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sylvia (nee Poniatowski) also residing in New Providence, New Jersey and by his children, Teri Karole and her husband, Steven, of Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey, Debbie Ostrowski, and her husband, Ron, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and Tom Jonovich, and his wife, Kathleen, of New Providence, New Jersey. He is predeceased by his son, Michael, who passed away recently in October 2019. He is further survived by the 11 grandchildren that he cherished: Jillian Karole, Patrick Karole, Kevin Jonovich, Daniel Giberna, TJ Jonovich, Jennica Jonovich, Kelly Jonovich, Annie Giberna, Chrissie Giberna, Meghan Jonovich and Brian Jonovich. Born in West Hazleton, Pennsylvania on August 23, 1932, the only child of Milo and Mary Jonovich. George was a graduate of West Hazleton High School Class of 1949. He attended Pennsylvania State University and graduated with his BS degree in Chemical Engineering in 1954 on a Navy scholarship. He was called to duty just before graduation and missed the opportunity to hear one of his heroes, General Dwight D. Eisenhower deliver the commencement address. George reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida in 1954 and proudly earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in 1956. He remained at Pensacola as a Flight Instructor until 1958. He was honored to fly the T6 - Texan (SNJ), the TV2 Sea Star, and the Grumman F9F Cougar and carried those memories with him until his final days. During that time, on leave, George met the love of his life, Sylvia. He was tall, dark and handsome and she was a petite brunette with a sparkling smile. They were married in 1958. The happy couple returned to State College, Pennsylvania, where George finished his masters degree in business administration. Sylvia lovingly tells their grandchildren that she typed every word of his multi page thesis on a typewriter without spellcheck or autocorrect, which still sits on their bookshelves. The children arrived shortly thereafter, and their family followed George’s chemical engineering career from Ohio to South Carolina, North Carolina and ultimately settling in New Jersey. After being raised as an only child, George embraced his large family as the center of his universe. He was proud of his four children, but he adored his grandchildren. He studied the details of every sport and activity that each child undertook and was known to be the biggest fan of that child on the field, ice rink, court, stage or track. He was not beyond talking to a coach or instructor about increasing their playing time or role on the team. George was a gentleman with a kind heart. He was faithful man and was very active at his parish church, St. James Roman Catholic Church in Basking Ridge as a founding member of the Top of the Hill gang and a leader in the St. James Share Your Bread ministry. He was also very active in the Basking Ridge community for years on the Planning Board and other initiatives.. He had an inquisitive mind that lead him to an insatiable reading appetite. He wanted to know everything about everything. He was an adventurous soul, and enjoyed travelling with his wife around the world to visit places of interest to him. After his love of family, he will be most remembered for his passion for his Penn State Nittany Lions, especially football. He knew every stat, player and score. There was NO better college marching band than the Blue and White band, he would marvel at their talent every time he watched them perform. His times at Beaver stadium in Happy Valley were among his favorite memories. After skipping a generation, finally his granddaughters, Kelly and Annie, followed his footsteps to attend Penn State, and grandson, Brian, will follow shortly. He will be truly missed and forever in our hearts with every cheer of… WE ARE…! Funeral arrangements will be private. The family looks forward to a time when they can celebrate their beloved ‘Doodad’, with everyone that has been so kind, loving and supportive, and such a part of all their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the “Lantern Hill Staff Appreciation Fund“, 535 Mountain Avenue, New Providence, New Jersey 07974 or “Share Your Bread”, The Church of St. James, 184 South Finley Avenue, P.O. Box 310, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920.