Obituary of Jack Bandazian

BANDAZIAN Jack, Sr., of West Milford, formerly of Glen Rock passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at age 88. He was predeceased by his lovely wife Grace and his brother George, and is survived by his 6 children: Linda Wolfson and husband Joseph of Midland Park, Diane Guthrie and husband Randall of Mahwah, Rick Bandazian and wife Darlene of Wyckoff, Jack Bandazian Jr. of Wyckoff, Lori Bandazian of Oakland and Michele O'Shea and husband Robert of Wyckoff. Jack is also survived by his 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and his loving companion Lorraine Cannarella. Jack was born and raised in West New York. He played semi-pro ice hockey for the Manhattan Arrows at Madison Square Garden in 1942 and became a lifelong Ranger fan. He graduated from the RCA Institute in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Maritime Service. After graduating from 1st Officer's Radio school at Gallop's Island, Mass., he served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 - 1947 with the rank of Ensign, USNR. As Chief Radio Officer, he sailed on 5 different Liberty Ships to various hot spots in the European and African theatres of war. For his sacrifice and valiant efforts, Jack was awarded the Combat, Atlantic War Zone, Mediterranean and Middle East Zone honorable service bars. He was also recognized for his service by the Soviet Union with two award medals. Following his return from WWII, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Grace. He began working as a photoengraver and became active in the labor movement and Bergen County politics. He served as President of Local 205 of the Litho/Engravers Union, President of the NJ Allied Printing Trades Council, VP of the Glen Rock Democratic Club, and President of the Rochelle Park Rotary Club. From 1972 - 1984 Jack became an entrepreneur owning and operating three restaurants and a popular night club in Bergen County with his two sons. Jack has always been an advocate for veteran's rights, and was an active member of Bill Pascrell's Veterans Committee, as well as serving as the Legislative Chairman of the American Merchant Marine Vets. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Navy League and a proud Mason. Visiting hours for Jack are Monday 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral service is Tuesday, 10:00 am at St. Leon's Armenian Church, 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Entombment will follow at the George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 in Memory of Jack Bandazian, Sr.