Eugene Jule Muha

Eugene Jule Muha, 78, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at his home. Born in Newark, NJ, he attended Florence Ave. Grammar School and was a graduate of Irvington High School, Class of 1950. He also attended Seton Hall College, Air Command and Staff College 1982, Logistics Planner 1979, Professional Personnel Management 1977, and Squadron Officer School 1976. Eugene enlisted as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol in 1949 and in the New Jersey Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve in 1950, where he rose through the ranks E-1 through E-10. He received a direct commission as Captain in 1971 and retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1989, after 40 years of service, including Active Duty. Eugene was employed with the State of New Jersey, Department of Defense Headquarters as Director of Personnel. Eugene received the New Jersey Medal of Honor with two Silver leaf clusters, the Merit award with five Silver Oak leaves, Small Arms Expert, Air Reserve Meritorious Service, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service, Air Force Training Ribbon and the New Jersey Governor's Unit Award. He was a member of St. Gregory the Great RC Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and also a 3rd Degree Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus # 7677. He was also a member of the National Guard Association of New Jersey/Federal National Guard Association. Son of the late Ella Muha Doriety, grandson of the late John and Gisella Muha and brother of the late Thomas Doriety, he is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary T. (Smith) Muha; his children and their spouses, Kenneth J. and Laura A. (Lossey) Muha, Theresa A. (Muha) and Dennis S. Edwards, David J. and Lucille M. (Gaughran) Muha; his grandchildren, Jess T., Ross T. and Kate T. Muha, Scott D. and Steven M. Edwards and Sara E. Muha; his sisters, Joan Wallschlager, Janet Sutherland and Patricia Goldberg; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Fred Streater. The funeral will begin 8:30 am Monday at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 am at St. Gregory the Great RC Church, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ. Interment will follow in Princeton Memorial Park, Robbinsville, NJ. Family and friends may call 6-9 pm Sunday at the Saul Colonial Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 11 Independence Way, Newark, DE 19713.