Edward J. "Rusty" Cholewa

Edward J. "Rusty" Cholewa

Clermont, FL

Edward J. "Rusty" Cholewa, born June 7, 1925 in Sayreville, New Jersey, died quietly in the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida, New Year's Eve 2011 after emergency abdominal surgery and a brief hospitalization. He is preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters and survived by his beloved sister, Stella Cholewa of Sayreville, New Jersey; his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Lochs Cholewa; daughter, Brenda Brady and her husband Jack; daughter, Amy Freeman and her husband David, and grandchildren, Tyler and Alexandra Freeman, all of Clermont, Florida, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Born to Polish immigrant parents, Rusty joined the United States Army at the start of World War II and was among the brave soldiers who landed at Normandy and fought the Battle of the Bulge. He served his country valiantly in the European Theater as an Anti-Tank Gunner and Technical Sergeant in the 13th Infantry Division before being honorably discharged in 1945. He returned to Sayreville and worked in the construction industry as an active member and Business Agent for Labor Local 584. He and his brothers, Chester and Frank later opened a successful catering hall and tavern, the Jernee Mill Inn, which he ran with the help of his family. He retired to Mays Landing, New Jersey and later to Clermont, Florida, to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren.

A remembrance service will be held at the Day Chapel at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 710 12th Street in Clermont, Florida, 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, 2012, followed by a reception at Sanctuary Ridge at 2601 Diamond Club Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Mike Conley Hospice House in Rusty's memory.