Obituary of Fred M. Ciurczak

Fred M. Ciurczak, 77, of Freehold passed away at home on Thursday, July 4, 2024. He was born and raised in Elizabeth and had lived in Linden, Newark, and Union before settling in Freehold in 2000. Fred was a graduate of Linden High School and Monmouth University, where he obtained a degree in education. He met his wife Donie while they were both teachers at Dr. Martin Luther King School in Newark in the 80s. It was love at first sight, and after a brief courtship, they were married in 1984. Together, they traveled the world and shared a love for dining out, with their Christmas tradition of picking a tree at the Abbey and dining at Lafayette Village. In his free time, Fred enjoyed fishing, both in freshwater and for game fish. He took great pride in the pond that was in his backyard and enjoyed trout fishing at home and loved boating on the lake. An avid Giants fan, Fred was a talented singer and would harmonize with well-known professional groups. He was known for his love of Doo-Wop music and his ability to "chirp" along with the best of them. He had a green thumb and loved germinating and growing flowers in his yard. In his free time, Fred enjoyed providing stock advice to others, and driving luxury cars while always maintaining a sharp and stylish appearance. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, John and Angela Ciurczak. He is survived by his loving wife, Donie Ciurczak of Freehold; brother, John J. Church and his wife, Kathy of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; nephew, Timothy J. Church and his partner, Margaux of Amsterdam; niece, Kerry C. Dillon and her husband, Kevin of Summit; great nephews, Charlie and John; and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at the New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, 133 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, NJ 07728, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with his funeral service to follow. Entombment will be private. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com