Contributions to the tribute of Joseph Sylvester Gruszczynski

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Ava Caridad posted a condolence

Saturday, April 11, 2020

To Mr. G's Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mr. G was my 12th Grade English teacher in 1983-84. It was one of my favorite classes ever at Bloomfield High. I remember well his enthusiasm, good nature, ready smile and high tolerance for adolescents. His class was an oasis in my otherwise crummy day. One time, as he was doling out authors for book reports, he turned to me last and said, "I saved this one just for you: Erich Maria Remarque!" I was staggered that he picked such a "sophisticated" author for me, that he thought I could handle it. It boosted my confidence and made me feel like he "got me", like we both knew better things were ahead for me once I escaped high school. I went on to get a Master's degree in American Literature from Rutgers University and taught English at the University of Western Australia before becoming the Editorial Director of a NJ publishing company. Mr. G's confidence in me went a long way toward creating the adult I have become. I moved to West Orange 6 years ago; I only wish I could have met Mr. G again and told him these things in person. I hope he had an inkling of just how important he was to us... "Don't call someone a b%#@!stard!Tell them you doubt the legitimacy of their birth! Use your vocabulary!" THANK YOU MR. G ~Ava Caridad, BHS Class of 84

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Valerie Gruszczynski Schoen Posted Apr 14, 2020 at 1:47 AM

Ava, thank you for your kind words. Dad is definitely living on through your good works and success.

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Stephen Haller posted a condolence

Friday, April 3, 2020

Mr. "G" was my English teacher in Bloomfield HS in 1969-1970. He was , the best, nicest, most informative teacher I ever had, and I have had many, going all through law school. It is so sad that his passing cannot be marked with a full service due to current regulations. I send my condolence to his family who must know, far better than I, the full measure of his loss. I have thought of him often over the years, and he is in my prayers now. Stephen Haller class of 1970 BHS

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Valerie Schoen Posted Apr 7, 2020 at 10:23 PM

Thank you, Stephen. One of Dad's many passions was his students. He would be proud of you. Val

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Jessica Sona posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

To all of Mr. Gruszczynski's family, I had the good fortune of having Mr. Gruszczynski as my senior year English teacher. I looked forward to my third-period class every day that year. He captured my attention in every class which is not an easy thing to do with teenagers, however, he knew he had one "audience member" that would remember every book he would talk about, use the vocabulary he introduced to us, and linger on the backstories to the great literature we would be diving into. He had and will always have my utmost respect. I cherished every lesson he taught me. I say "me" because I felt like he directed his lessons to me for he knew I valued learning and appreciated all that he had to share about literature, history, art, and deep thinking. I hung on his every word and took tedious notes. He knew he could always rely on my notes to pick up from the previous class or if the focus had shifted. I still have my notebook stored in a safe place among the other pieces of my history. I am now in my 18th year teaching and am an ELA and Social Studies teacher and try to share that same love for literature, words, and thinking with my sixth graders in hopes I can create that love for learning as Mr. Gruszczynski had created and nurtured for me. He would often use the phrase "a whirling dervish" as he collected papers and moved around the classroom. All these years later I still remember the phrase and I will always remember the man who said it. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher. You made a huge impact on my life and I'm sure many other students. The world was a better place with people like you in it. With prayers and sympathy, Jessica Sona (Lawton) Class of '98

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Valerie Schoen Posted Apr 7, 2020 at 10:29 PM

Thank you, Jessica. Dad would be so humbled by knowing the influence he had on you.

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Carol Ford posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

To Ella and Family: My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to you and your family. We were all shocked to read Fr. Jim's email advising us that Joe had passed. He was such a great part of our parish and know that he will greatly be missed by all. Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you. God Bless. Carol Ford

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Valerie Schoen Posted Apr 7, 2020 at 10:26 PM

Thank you so much for your kind words. We will have a celebration of Dad's life once this COVID thing is over. You all meant the world to him.

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Debbie Macaluso posted a condolence

Monday, March 30, 2020

Dear Valerie & Elaine, Though I did not know your Dad, I did know your Mom well as she taught me at Our Lady of Lourdes for many years and I really did enjoy the choir and music under her direction. Mrs "G".... My condolences to you both and to your entire family. May you Dad rest in peace. Always.

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Valerie Schoen Posted Apr 7, 2020 at 10:29 PM

Thank you, Debbie.

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The family of Joseph Sylvester Gruszczynski uploaded a photo

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Joseph Sylvester Gruszczynski

1938 - 2020