George N Hadgis

George N. Hadgis of Wyckoff, NJ and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ passed away in his sleep on May 3, 2023 at the age of 86.  He was predeceased by his father, Nick, and his mother, Antonia (Dapolla), who were both Greek immigrants.  George is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Bernardine (Barton); his daughters Antoinette and Christine and her husband Mark Anderson; his son, Nicholas and his wife Leeann; and his grandchildren, Alexander, Annalee, and Mason.

George was born In New York City on December 2, 1936.  Armed with his Commendation Card for Excellence from grammar school, he graduated from George Washington High School in Washington Heights in 1954 and went on to attend the University of Buffalo with the intention of becoming a dentist. When University did not go as planned, he came back to the city and continued his studies at the New York School of Finance, because his true aspirations were for a career on Wall Street. He landed a job as a page on the floor and worked his way up. George retired from Furman, Selz, Mager, Dietz and Birney Inc. in 1988 as Senior Vice President.

George served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 and played a role in preparing troops during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His military service is also where he developed his passion for travel and exploring different cultures. He and Bernardine started their extensive travels as soon as George retired, and they kept at it until they were forced to stop by pandemic restrictions.  A natural storyteller, George was the life of the party, enjoyed a good laugh, and a hearty meal. He also enjoyed the theater, opera, all the old movies on TCM, as well as cooking and kitchen gadgets.  His children will always strive to use the right knife and will remember his scoldings if (and when) they don’t. He was proud of his Greek heritage and was a loyal fan of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed. 

Visitation will be held at Vander Plaat Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 10, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Elizabeth Church in Wyckoff on May 11 at 10am. The funeral service will be live streamed (https://saintelizabeths.org/live-streaming).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the Valley Hospital Foundation.  Thank you.

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