Dr. Michael Kushinka

KUSHINKA Dr. Michael Kushinka, Rutgers Hall of Famer Dr. Michael Kushinka died on Oct. 14, 2007, at the age of 83 in Somerville, where he had resided for the last 39 years. Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Somerville, with interment to follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home, 111 N. Gaston Ave., Somerville, (908) 725-3111. To send condolences to the family, www.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com. He was born in Fogelsville, Pa., on Oct. 4, 1924, to the late Charles and Mary Wargo Kushinka. Michael attended Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa., and received a scholarship to play football for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. After his freshman year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Rim during World War II. Following his discharge, he enrolled at Rutgers University, where he starred as a two-way lineman during the Golden Era, when the team compiled as 22-5 record over three years. He was the first-ever recipient of the Dave Bender trophy for outstanding lineman in 1947, and was named to the All-East Team. In 1948, Rutgers defeated Princeton 22-6 for the first time at Princeton since the first collegiate football game was played between the two teams in 1869. Michael was awarded the game ball for his outstanding performance. He was inducted into the Rutgers Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Michael received a bachelors in education from Rutgers University, a masters in education from Temple University, and an Ed.D from Yeshiva University in New York City. Following his graduation from Rutgers, he worked for the U.S. government in Germany in the Displaced Persons Commission. While in Germany, he met his future wife, Joyce, who was with the State Department. After returning to the U.S., they married and Michael began his career in education, first as a high school history teacher and football coach in Chatham, then as a guidance counselor, and finally as a professor of education at Monmouth University until his retirement in 1994. A true loyal son of Rutgers, Michael belonged to the Scarlet R Club, the Touchdown Club, the Letterwinners Club, and was treasurer of the David R. Bender Trust Fund for athletic scholarships. His love for Rutgers was exceeded only by his devotion to his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren. He and his wife loved world travel and visited over 70 different countries. Michael was a member of the Somerville First United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post 12. He was predeceased by two brothers and sisters. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Dr. Joyce Williams Kushinka; daughters, Kerry and husband, David Swan, of Branchburg, Candice and husband, Glenn Douma, of Branchburg, and Jennifer of South Bound Brook; five grandchildren, Keely and Dyana Swan and Kristian, Kelsey and Ryan Douma; a brother, George, of Warner Robins, Ga., and a sister, Barbara Williamson of Bethlehem, Pa. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Scarlet R Scholarship Fund, Rutgers University, 7 College Ave., Winants Hall, New Brunswick, N.J. 08901-9911.