George N Kabash

George N. Kabash, age 82, was born to eternal life on January 27 surrounded by his loving family.  

He was born and grew up in Clifton, NJ, where he attended Clifton High School, played basketball at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, American Legion Baseball, and served in the United States Army.  His family moved to Wayne, NJ, where they opened the Preakness Fabric Center.  George’s love of skiing led him to the Colorado mountains and then Great Gorge Ski Area where he became the first director of the ski patrol.  With the purchase of The Atlis Quarry in the late 60s, “The Quarry” of Hamburg was born.  In addition to his career in skiing, George became an avid ecologist and put his efforts into restoring the beauty of this property.  Because of his efforts thousands of people were able to enjoy picnicking, cross-country skiing, along with swimming and scuba diving in the crystal clear quarry waters.

In 1972, George married Sallie, the love of his life.  They had two amazing children, Vanessa and Michael.   George dedicated himself to supporting, encouraging, and caring for his family.  He was his son, Mike’s, number one coach and fan, and he delighted in all of his daughter, Vanessa’s, academic, athletic, and musical endeavors.  He was always ready to play the role of “Mr. Camera” for all his family’s special events.

George had a larger than life personality and was a hardworking and selfless man of many diverse talents and interests.  In Hamburg he was on the town council and was a member of the Hamburg First Aid Squad.  He saved many lives at The Quarry, and, along with two police officers, he also rescued two teens from a burning car and was declared a hero.  He loved Coors Original, Rusty Nails, music, chocolate malted milkshakes, cheeseburgers, Sallie’s chocolate cake, cooking, and serving up his famous spaghetti and meat sauce.  He also loved his dog, Rocky, boating, and flying his Cessna.

George was also a man of faith.  As a communicant of Holy Cross Parish, he served the church community as an usher.   He also made sure the children attending their religious education classes were safe at arrival and dismissal by directing the flow of traffic.

Thank you to our family and friends for their prayers and support, especially to George’s friend Kwakye, who lovingly helped us care for George over the last three years.  A special thanks to Nancy Kegelman for all those “Sweet Sundays.”  We would also like to thank the VNA, nurse practitioner Alice Hinck, the staff on the fourth floor at Riverview Medical Center, and the Rumson EMTs.

George is survived by his wife, Sallie, his daughter, Vanessa, his son, Michael, and his brother, Charlie.  George wore his heart on his sleeve and was always ready to give a witty reply, share a story, offer advice, or help someone in need.  He will be truly and deeply missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank, NJ.  A funeral mass will be offered at 10 AM on Thursday, February 1, at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Rumson, NJ.  Burial will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to Holy Cross Church.

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