John Alexander Gausz

Warminster, PA - Friday, February 9, 2018, John Alexander Gausz, passed away peacefully at home in Warminster, PA. He was born July 7, 1924 in New York City to Marie and John Gausz.

John grew up in Scotch Plains, NJ and graduated from Rutgers University. He worked as an engineer at Standard Oil, RCA, and Bound Brook Bearing then had a second career as a tax assessor and real estate appraiser. He spent most of his adult life in Watchung, NJ, where he moved after marrying Margaret (Peg) Reilly in 1952.

John loved the outdoors and nature - camping, gardening, hiking, watching birds and other wildlife, and spending time on the farm he and Peg bought in the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania.

He was dedicated to service and making the world a better place. There was always room for family and friends in need, and in celebration. He served as a volunteer fireman for nearly 50 years. He was also a member of Watchung's Recreation Commission, Planning Board, and Environmental Commission, as well as an active member of the Scotch Plains High School Alumni Association.

John had an incredible work ethic and very high standards, and he raised his five children to have those values as well. He also had a big heart and mischievous streak, which was much more prevalent in his later years. He loved spending time with his family and loved chocolate and most sweets.

Always perseverant, at age 82 he learned to walk and talk again after surgery to remove a brain tumor. He and Peg then chose to move to Ann's Choice retirement community to start a new chapter in a place with fewer of life's chores. He was like a kid in a candy store when he arrived, and he loved sitting with Peg, his kids and grandkids, and friends on the patio of their apartment. The care extended to John and Peg by their Ann's Choice friends and caregivers was so appreciated.

John is survived by his brother Albert (Lois), Harwichport, MA; 5 children: Pat Skelly (Mike), Bordentown, NJ, Mary Schwartz (Chris), Kansas City, MO, John Gausz (MaryPat), Raritan, NJ, Carol Gausz, Annapolis, MD, and Ann Schwantes (Jay), West Bloomfield, MI. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Michael and Kate Skelly; Matthias, Kathryn, and Dan Gausz; Alexandra Vargas (Luis), Arielle Mandelberg; and Abbey Dallas (Jeff); along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Peg, in 2016, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Skelly.

A celebration of his life will be held at Ann's Choice chapel, 10000 Ann's Choice Way, Warminster, PA on Saturday, March 3rd at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following two charities. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109, noting "PASS/In memory of John A. Gausz" in the memo or; The NJAES Cooperative Extension's Rutgers Master Gardener program, https://njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/ or by check payable to Rutgers University Foundation, 303 George Street, Suite 301, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Please note "Coop. Ext. Master Gardeners/In memory of John A. Gausz" in the memo.

Funeral arrangements by Decker Funeral Home, Warminster, PA, www.deckerfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier News on Feb. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gausz

Sponsored by Decker-Givnish Funeral Home, Inc..

5 Entries

Joe & Susan Skelly

March 3, 2018

Our deepest condolences to the Gausz and Skelly families.

Dr. Martin Krautter

February 25, 2018

To John's family,

I am so thankful for John and his friends starting the SPFHS Alumni Association which I have thoroughly enjoyed over the years.

John did a lot of living in his lifetime and has been a good example for the rest of us to make every day count!

"But as my as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12). All the Best, Dr. Martin Krautter

Gary DalCorso

February 18, 2018

John Gausz was my first teacher in the assessment profession I chose. The year was 1981; course was Property Tax Administration in the evening at Rutgers. John was absolutely a fabulous teacher. Thirty-seven years later, many of the things John taught me about being an assessor have remained with me; how to be a good assessor. He was patient, intelligent, outgoing, kind - all without that off-putting ego we often see in people. So peace to his family, may you feel pride now and remember that when fine men and women such as John impart their knowledge to others and we open our ears, they live on in each of us.

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