Joseph J Kurzawski, Sr.

Joseph J. “Nooky” Kurzawski, Sr. died on Monday, April 2, 2024 at Prospect Heights Care Center, Hackensack. He was 97 years old.

Joseph was born in Harrison. He lived in Harrison for many years before moving to Rutherford in 1980.  His nickname came from his grandmother, when she would lean out the window and call him “ wnuk” (polish for grandson) his friends Americanized it to “Nooky” which stuck with him his whole life.

He was a manager with the Pennsylvania Railroad and later with Amtrak in Newark for 20 years before he retired. Previously, he was the owner of the Polonaise Tavern on 3rd Street in Harrison. Prior to World War II he played basketball in high school and averaged 40 points a game. He was a center forward for the German American Soccer Club. He was a stand-out baseball player and was recruited by a professional team. But, he decided to serve his country with the United States Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Guardsman of Rutherford, North Arlington ELKS lodge 1992, the National V. F. W. and the American Legion Post 109, Rutherford.

Joseph is predeceased by his wife, Stella “Stacey” (Maliszewski) Kurzawski in 2018, his parents, John T. and Bertha (Golon) Kurzawski, his brother, John T. “Antosh” Kurzawski and his sister, Helen Kavanaugh. He is survived by his daughter, Susan A. Kurzawski of Brick; son, Joseph J. Kurzawski, Jr. and his wife Susan of Matawan; 3 granddaughters – Aliese Hayden and her husband Ryan, Michelle Sisson and her husband Andrew, Kelsey Kurzawski and her fiance Kevin Stacy; 2 great grandchildren -  Aaron and Temperance.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at the Alvarez Memorial Home, 684 Kearny Ave. Kearny, N.J. 07032. A service will be at 12:30PM at the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum, North Arlington, N.J. 

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