Obituary of George Burdge

George A. Burdge, Sr., 84, of Howell Township, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Mr. Burdge, a life-long resident of Howell Township was born and raised in the West Farms section of Howell Township, where his grandfather owned and operated the local blacksmith shop. He retired in 1975 after 30 years with the General Baking Company, Bond Bread Division, where he was a door to door and wholesale bread salesman. After his retirement, he worked for the Freehold Township Water Department, the Manalapan Township Department of Public Works, and part time at Barg's Lawn and Garden Center in Freehold. He enjoyed traveling, NASCAR racing, country and bluegrass music and spending time with his close friends and family. A U.S. Army Veteran from November 1943 until January 1946, he was awarded the bronze star and combat infantry badge in addition to many other honors for his service in the United States Army, 94th Division, 376th Regiment, Company M in the European Theater of World War II. In addition to his riflemen specialty, he served as a forward observer and radio man with a mortar unit. He was a former member of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge, New Egypt, a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and a life member of the 94th Infantry Division Association. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, H. Cecelia (Edgar) in 2007, his parents Artemus "Artie" and Ethel (Vey) Burdge, his sister, Vera Moss, his brother, Robert V. and his great granddaughter, Peyton Isabella Burdge. Mr Burdge is survived by his son, George A.Burdge, Jr and his wife, Robin of Freehold; a daughter, Jane Kalinauskas of Whiting; his sister, Thelma Garland of Shady Valley, TN; his grandsons, George A. Burdge, III and his wife, Lauren of Freehold, Stephen J. and his wife, Sarah of Cocoa, FL, and Darren R. Stolz and his wife, Karyn of Manchester Township; 9 great grandchildren: George A. Burdge IV, Gina and Jake Curcio, Dalton, Savannah and Garrett Burdge, and Shane, Sydney and Sienna Stolz; and his dear friend and companion, Angela Guido of Freehold. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township on Friday, May 21, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at the funeral home on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Farmingdale. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Burdge, may be made to the Pinelands Cultural Society/ Albert Music Hall, P.O. Box 657, Waretown, NJ 08758 or to the charity of your choice and would be appreciated. For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.