1932
2021
George J. Governale of Harrington Park NJ and Brewster MA, loving husband, father of two, and grandfather of three, passed away at the age of 88 on Friday, February 26, 2021. George was born on May 13, 1932 in Bergenfield, NJ. His parents, Frank and Catherine (Criscolo) had nine children, of which George was the youngest. He loved his parents and his older brothers and sisters, Andrew, Pauline (Pisenti), Joseph, Anthony, Rose (Hilliard), Frank, Anne (Martini) and Edward, all of whom were predeceased. He is survived by his wife, Joan (Suhr), and his son, Gregory C. Governale (and wife Helena) of Harrington Park, NJ. George's daughter, Jamie R. Quantmeyer (wife of Glenn Quantmeyer) of Naples Florida and Harrington Park NJ, sadly predeceased him in August of 2020. He is also survived by his three grandchildren that he loved very much, Gregory E. Governale, Lauren C. Governale, and Christian B. Quantmeyer, and by many nieces and nephews. George proudly served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Purdy in the Korean war, circumnavigating the world between April and October of 1953. He married his love Joan in 1957. George went on to have a long and successful career with the New York Transit Authority, ultimately attaining a leadership role in operations at the Staten Island Rapid Transit Authority. He worked proudly with gusto and enthusiasm with hundreds of people and was always able to find common ground to solve every day issues, as he truly saw the best in people and got along with and respected everyone he met. George is known by family members, his many friends and colleagues, and people from just about every walk of life, to be a kind, sincere, respectful, reliable and generous person that would go out of his way to help them. With his humble, yet self-assured personality, he treated each person he met in a way that made them feel important and appreciated. And he was sincere about it. He truly appreciated people. No matter what was going on in his life, he always showed heart, empathy and compassion for others, as his focus was on them, not himself. With his big smile and bigger than life personality, he would captivate those he talked to with his wisdom, seeming knowledge on just about every topic, and his sense of humor. He would innately spot something about each person that was special and always find a way to compliment or have a kind word for them. He was known as a true gentleman, more comfortable in a suit and tie than in any other form of attire. Whether it be a pen, a computer, or a hammer or screwdriver, George used each tool in his life in a masterful way. He was a one-of-a-kind, can-do type of person that never met a challenge that was too big to take on. In the same day he could go from solving complex business problems and giving sound financial advice to people who asked, to equally as well | upon getting home from work, fixing the plumbing in the kitchen or adjusting the carburetor on the lawnmower or the car still wearing his tie that he tucked safely in his crisp dress shirt. He seemed to be able to do anything and fix anything. Coming from humble beginnings, he worked tirelessly in his life be to achieve success by believing he could do whatever he set his mind to. What he chose to do, he did the right way. Showing no signs of slowing down later in his life, he worked on various business ventures well into his eighties. Over almost the last 40 years, George maintained a residence in Brewster with his wife, Joan. They made many good friends there, experienced some of natures most beautiful scenes, shared wonderful meals with family and friends in their many favorite eateries, and simply put, enjoyed all that the Cape had to offer. Only a few months ago, as he was being driven on route 6A, he said nostalgically "I just love it here..." He was a spiritual, strong, loving, happy, kind, authentic, brave and hard-working person with no quit in him - ever. George's life | was one that was well lived to the fullest to the very end. He leaves a lasting and warm impression on all that knew him. Rest in peace George.
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Sponsored by Moritz Funeral Home - Closter.
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