George Adam Staada Jr. of Cornelius, North Carolina, the widower of Barbara Higgins Staada, passed away unexpectedly while visiting his daughter’s home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sept. 15, 2020. He was 73 years old.
George was born on Sept. 8, 1947, the son of George Adam and Doris Threlfall Staada. George was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey.
He also lived in Wayne, Butler, Sparta and West Milford, N.J.
George attended school in Paterson where he was a student at PS 16, PS 24 and a graduate of Eastside High School.
Upon graduation from high school, George served our country in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. He was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J., Fort Stewart, Ga., and Fort Rucker, Al.
While growing up, George and his parents, maternal grandparents, and siblings, Glenn and Michele spent many summers in Sparta Lake in Sparta, N.J. George enjoyed and appreciated all of the friendships he made with the summer residents at the lake.
George also enjoyed going to the “shore” at Wildwood, N.J., with the extended Staada family where they all stayed at the Hotel Elberon. All of the Staada aunts, uncles and cousins shared a week vacation each July for many years.
George also liked taking his young family to Long Beach Island for a week or two each summer.
Growing up in Paterson, George was a member of The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church where he attended Sunday school and church. George was a Boy Scout in Troop 55 at the church where his father and several uncles were troop leaders.
George married the love of his life, Barbara Higgins, at the church on Dec. 21, 1969.
George learned to bowl at the Bowl-O-Mat in Paterson and was in many leagues throughout his life. He became an excellent bowler; one of his highest scores was a 290, achieved when he was just 15 years old. George also enjoyed bowling at Sparta Lanes with his many friends.
George worked as a parts manager at White-Autocar in Saddle Brook, N.J., and later at Dover Diesel, in Carlstadt, N.J. George retired from Dover Diesel in 2012.
George was an avid sports fan and he especially enjoyed baseball and football. When he was in Little League, George played for the Paterson Caspersons.
Growing up he was a New York Yankee fan, but later on George became a Mets and a Jets fan. On occasion he would root for the New York football Giants as well.
George was a proud Pop-Pop who loved to attend his grandchildren’s events. He enjoyed watching Shannon’s dance competitions and Jack’s baseball games He also looked forward to watching both Lily and Bella at their soccer games.
George was called home to the Lord to join his wife, Barbara Higgins Staada who passed on May 11, 2017.
George is survived by his daughters Tracey Cusick and her husband Chris of Huntersville, N.C., and Jennifer Meisten and her husband Ken of Greenville S.C., four grandchildren: Shannon Cusick, Jack Cusick, Lily Meisten and Isabella Meisten; brother Glenn Staada and his wife Evelyn of Long Valley, N.J.; sister Michele Hammell and her husband Jim of West Milford, N.J.., and his sister-in-law Peggy White of West Milford, N.J. George is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces as well as by many cousins from both the Staada and Threlfall families. George was loved by all and he will be greatly missed.
A small service was held for the family on Sept. 21. Arrangements were provided by Cannon Funeral Home in Fountain Inn, S.C.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, at The Brownstone, 351 W Broadway, Paterson, N.J. We invite all to join us for the celebration of life party from 1 to 4 p.m. to share stories and fond memories of George. However, we do understand that during the pandemic some may not be comfortable attending the party. For this reason, family will be available from 12 to 1 p.m. for those who would prefer to come and pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JDRF at www.jdrf.org.