George A. Huff

George A. Huff, 66, of Kenilworth, passed away on January 22, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Newark and raised in Elizabeth, George was the son of the late Mary (Cistaro) and George H. Huff. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Kean University. It was there he met the love of his life, the late Kim (Papaccio) Huff. They were married for 33 years.

George worked at Cranford High School for over 30 years. He was a special education teacher and then a school counselor in the guidance department where he retired as Director. His passion for his students’ success in the classroom carried over to the gymnasium where he coached girls’ basketball. He was also instrumental in establishing the Peer Leadership Program.

George’s greatest joy in life was helping others. He was an instructor at Drew University’s Commission for the blind for 23 years. He volunteered at the Salvation Army in Plainfield, making hundreds of sandwiches every month. George became a Eucharistic Minister in St. Theresa’s Church and volunteered in their food pantry. The cause closest to his heart was the “Giving Box” he created for the cancer center at Overlook Hospital where he was a patient for 3 years. He authored two poetry books that expressed his will to live and his deep faith.

George will be forever remembered by his brother Kevin and his wife Debbie; nieces Jennifer, Lauri Falconer and her husband Harry and their children Brendan and Meaghan; Aunt Katherine Coppa and Uncle Herbert Huff.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019 at the Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield. www.higginsandbonner.com A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. James the Apostle, 75 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield Township.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Giving Box. For information please email theghgivingbox@gmail.com

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