Obituary of Chester Janusz
Chester J. Janusz, 80, departed this life on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Regency Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center in Somerset, NJ. A native of Elizabeth, Chester spent his early years in Linden before settling in North Plainfield in 1970. He cherished his residence there for 36 years, later relocating to Martinsville in 2006, and finally settling in Somerset in 2014.
Chester was an alumnus of St. Peter’s University in Jersey City where he achieved his bachelor's degree in education. He furthered his education with a master's degree from Kean University and later, a degree in education administration from the College of Staten Island CUNY.
His educational journey commenced as an English teacher at Rahway public school. He then progressed to Park Middle School in Scotch Plains, first serving as a guidance counselor. Recognizing his remarkable potential, the school soon offered him the role of principal. Chester made history by becoming the youngest individual to assume this position in the state. His dedication to education and the school was profound; he continued in this role for over three decades, well past the age many would consider retiring.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chester was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary’s Stony Hill RC Church in Watchung. His dedication to the church was further evidenced as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Mary’s – Stony Hill Church.
Chester relished moments watching his favored NY Yankees and Kansas City Chiefs. He was equally passionate about fishing in local streams and lakes. A lover of sea voyages, he and his dear wife, Priscilla, embarked on numerous cruises, reminiscing fondly about travels on the Queen Mary, adventures to the Amazon, and idyllic retreats to various Caribbean islands.
Mourning his departure are his devoted wife of 54 years, Priscilla Janusz; his daughter, Jennifer, her husband, Mike Kirkwood; and their children, Finn and Jack.
The community is invited to celebrate Chester’s impactful life on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 2 to 6 pm at St. Mary’s Stony Hill RC Church, 225 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069. A funeral mass will be officiated at the same church on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 12 pm. Entombment will follow on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 11:00 am at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Chester's memory to the American Brain Tumor Association (bit.ly/DonateABTA or via mail at The American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550, Chicago, IL 60631) or St. Mary's Stony Hill (www.stmaryswatchung.org or via mail at St. Mary's Church, 225 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069). If you are a Friend of Bill, kindly consider donating to your local group.
