Sandor “Sandy” Gonczlik, 86, of Clark, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Visitation at the Walter Johnson Funeral Home, 803 Raritan Rd., Clark on Sunday from 2 - 6 pm. The Funeral begins at the Funeral Home on Monday at 8:45 am, thence to St. Agnes Church, Clark, where a Funeral Mass will be offered at 9:45 am. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clark. To offer condolences please visit www.walterjohnsonfh.com
Sandy was born in Elizabeth to John and Irene (Franko) Gonczlik and raised in Clark where he was a lifelong resident.
Sandy graduated from Jonathan Dayton High School in 1951, where he played Varsity Basketball , Football and Baseball. He later joined the Navy. He attended college at Panzer School of Physical Education and Hygiene, where he excelled in soccer and basketball. He completed his BS in Physical Education at Montclair State Teacher’s College in 1960, where he played basketball and was the first Captain of the newly formed Montclair State soccer team. Mr. Gonczlik went on to teach Phys. Ed at Freehold Regional High School and then at Carteret High School, where he would become the Head of the Health and Physical Education Departments. He returned to Montclair State College to earn his Master’s degree plus thirty. Sandy continued teaching and demonstrating gymnastics for his students until his retirement in 1990 at the age of 58. He was also a Volunteer Fireman in Clark for 30 years. He was a Founding Member of St. Agnes Church, serving as an Usher and also on various committees and a member of the American Legion Post #328 of Clark.
Sandy had a passion for the outdoors and loved to camp and trout fish. He led his family in camping adventures across 48 of the 50 states. An avid golfer, he hit 2 holes-in-one during his life and was chosen to be one of the first Commissioners of the Hyatt Hills Golf Course in Clark.
Sandy is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Eleanor (O’Donnell) Gonczlik; his devoted children, Cyndy Wills and Christopher Gonczlik and his wife Maria; his 3 cherished granddaughters, Sarah Gonczlik, Courtney Wills and Cassidy Wills; his dear brother Ernest Gonczlik; nieces, Jane Mahoney and Susan Watson; nephew Peter Gonczlik, close friends and former students. The family is very grateful to former student Gary Shomsky.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the American Legion Post #328, 78 Westfield Ave, Clark, NJ 07066 or to Haven Hospice, 65 James St, Edison, NJ 08818.
