Edmund Achille Cyprian Zukowski, 80, formerly of Newton, died on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at home surrounded by family.
Born to Edmund Joseph and Julia (nee Moerkerke) Zukowski on December 10, 1943, in Newton, he married his high school sweetheart Rose (nee Kinney) on January 25, 1964. Following graduation from Montclair State College in 1966, he began teaching at Newton High School, where he taught industrial arts and retired in 1998. Since 1968, Edmund volunteered as a firefighter for the Newton Steamer No. 1 Company. He served as Steamer company chief from 1990-1994 and Newton Fire Department chief in 1994. He was twice awarded the Life Saving Medal for actions during his service.
Edmund was most proud of his family. His lifelong love for Rose and his children was the inspiration for his being. Those that met him were told about the many accomplishments of his whole family. Whether he was pacing the sidelines of field hockey matches for his daughters or traveling overseas to see his son while he was in the Navy, he was always there to support his children. His grandkids gave him so much pride and joy. He spent numerous hours re-baiting hooks and pulling innertubes behind the boat at Culver Lake with each of them. Poppy, as he was affectionately called, never tired of being with his grandkids and always reveled in their accomplishments. His collection of university shirts and hats were his daily wardrobe.
Edmund was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing and motorcycle riding. He took great joy in hunting with his grandson and watching his Brittany’s point pheasants. His motorcycle riding took him and Rose all over America. You would see him riding, with his Rosie knitting on the backseat. One of his passions was his vehicles and his 1967 GTO was the apple of his eye. Going fast and making noise gave him the biggest smile.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Mandy (Jim) Hofmann, Kelly Zukowski, and CDR (ret) Eddie (Liz) Zukowski. Grandchildren Justin (fiancée Lauren) Hofmann, Kelsey (Justin) Shutt, Samantha (Justin) Mascenik, Megan Stanley, Emilie Zukowski and Tori Zukowski. Great-grandson Jordan Mascenik, and future great-grandchild Shutt. Sister Joann Jolly and dear sister-in-law Betsy (Jim) Issler, as well a niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved mother-in-law Betty Kinney, sister-in-law Mary Kinney, and brother-in-law Gary Jolly, as well as many beloved aunts and uncles.
A viewing will be held at Iliff-Ruggerio funeral home on Wednesday, May 29. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Newton, on Thursday, May 30, at 10 a.m., followed by entombment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Mausoleum.
Services are entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home.
The family kindly asks for no flowers. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations, in Edmund’s memory, to the Newton Fire Museum via www.newtonfiremuseum.org/donations or 150 Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860.