Obituary of Tony Mowad

Mowad, Anthony age 95, of Paterson, NJ, passed away on Thursday May 9, 2019 in Saint Joseph’s Hospital. He was born in Phillipsburg, NJ, July 6, 1923. He attended school there and at the age of 16 dropped out of school to work and help his family. He applied to join the Civilian Conservation Core (CCC). Although he was underage, he was accepted. At that time they discovered what they called then a “whole in his heart” or a murmur. He was told to take it easy. In the C.C.C. he took a train across America to Oregon to work. In his words that train ride was like heaven! He spent six months working there. After coming home he went to work for Curtis Wright, then he started studying for the GED to obtain his High School diploma. From there he started to take night courses at William Paterson for eight years to get his college degree. At one point he enrolled full time and eventually graduated. With a degree in hand he took a job in the Totowa School system as a sixth grade teacher. The kids loved him! In the early 1980s doctors told him that his heart could be fixed. He went to Colombia Presbyterian and had open heart surgery and they put a piece of felt between two chambers of his heart. And he was as good as new! After he retired he enjoyed his family and friends, baseball, good food, reading about politics and the world scene. “Occasional” trips to the casino to play “Texas Holdem”. He is survived by his brother George of Woodland Park, NJ, and predeceased by his brother Edward Charles and sister Evelyn. And many nieces and nephews he truly loved. “Uncle Tony” was truly a great person to be around. He was unique to say the least. He left an impression on everyone he met and will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Wednesday at 10:00 AM with services to commence at 11:00 AM. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Repast to follow at Toros at 489 Hazel Street in Clifton.  Friends may visit Tuesday 4:00 - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center Foundation Office, 703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503, would be appreciated.