Sayreville
Edwin A. Kolodziej, of Sayreville, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2018, at home with his beloved wife Irene, at the age of 93. God blessed him with a long life, and he blessed us with a long life of service.

A lifelong resident in Sayreville, he was born in 1924 to the late Anton and Mamie Kolodziej. A graduate of Sayreville War Memorial High School, he was inducted to its Hall of Fame in 2005. He received his bachelor’s degree and law doctorate from Rutgers University; in 2006, he was bestowed the honor of Loyal Son of Rutgers.

He is well -known for his heroic service during World War II, where he was a Staff Sergeant in the 95th Infantry Division in the European Theatre. He is the holder of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the NJ Distinguished Service Medal. He was decorated on the front lines by Gen. Geo. Patton, which was the featured story on the History Channel’s Patton 360: Siege Warfare; the History Channel also highlighted Edwin’s WWII heroism in Shootout: The Battle of France.

His record of law practice and statesmanship includes heading a law office in Sayreville, acting as an assistant prosecutor for Middlesex County, being part of the NJ State Lottery Commission, and serving as Assemblyman-at-Large in the NJ State Legislature. Edwin was a member of numerous state, county, veteran and community societies, associations, and organizations.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Joan Barbara Washburn Kolodziej, with whom he had four children. He is also predeceased by his beloved son David A. Kolodziej.

Surviving are his devoted wife Irene “Renee” Halmi Kolodziej; his sister, Rita Kolodziej; and his children and their spouses: Christine & Paul Willumstad of Colorado; Kathryn Pinto & R.D. Smith of Sayreville; Lawrence Kolodziej & Jane Griffith of Ohio; and daughter-in-law Linda Kolodziej of Delaware. Surviving also are his nephew and godson Bernard J. Bailey of Sayreville, and Bernie’s fiancée Susan Disbrow. Surviving also are his eight grandchildren: Jonathan A. Pinto (Sayreville), Susan Byford (Colorado), Ellen Koen (Colorado), Anton and Elizabeth Kolodziej (Delaware), Thomas Willumstad (Texas), and Daniel Kolsen and Andrew Kolodziej (Ohio). Surviving also are the spouses of his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren: Mya, Cayley & Hannah Pinto; Lauren, Aidan & Max Byford; Jake, Dylan, Garrick & Annaleigh Koen; Keira, Owen & Grayson Kolodziej; and Oliver Willumstad.

The family is grateful that his passing was peaceful and at his home, surrounded by his beautiful gardens. “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” [R. Tagore]. Ed Kolodziej was not just a Sergeant, a town lawyer, and a politician; he was a brave patriot, a wise counselor, and a statesman. His service to his community was not just a career, it was his calling. He fought his battles on every front -- military, legal, personal, health -- with compassion, perspicacity, and courage. He now follows the command from above: “At ease, soldier.”

Funeral services will be held Tuesday 9am from the Maliszewski Memorial Home 121 Main Street, Sayreville followed by a 9:30am mass at Our Lady of Victories R. C. Church in Sayreville with burial to follow at New Calvary Cemetery, Parlin. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Monday from 4pm to 8pm. The family has requested that donations in Edwin’s name be made to Our Lady of Victories School or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Letters of condolence, completed arrangements and directions may be found by visiting www.maliszewskimemorialhome.com.