Albin E Zwiazek

Albin E. Zwiazek October 13, 1918 February 6, 2014 95 Years Young Zwiazek, Albin E. died peacefully with his family by his side on February 6, 2014 at the Little Nursing Home, Montclair, following a short illness. Ninety-five years young, Albin lived three lifetimes in one life, serving in the Army for eight years, working for Bendix Aeronautics for 30 years as an inspector for flight control systems and, after retirement, living his dream of being a professional photographer. Throughout his life, his true joy was his family and he was a loving and beloved husband, father and grandfather. Albin was born in Garfield N.J. on October 13, 1918 to Alojzy and Anastazya Zwiazek. The oldest of four children, he lived through the depression and spent part of his childhood in foster care in the Edna B. Conklin Home in Bergen County. Albin enlisted in the army at age 18 and served for eight years in various capacities. During World War II, he was stationed in Algeria, France, England and many locations in the U.S., including Fort Hancock, N.J. to which he later returned as a guide and historian. He was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant and received many medals for his service. He was active in several veterans organizations in Clifton. Albin met his wife, Margaret Schlegel, on a blind date in 1941. They were married on June 21, 1942 in a military wedding at St. Stephen s Church in Passaic, N.J. They raised their family in Clifton, living in the house Albin built himself in 1949. After his retirement from Bendix, Albin lived his dream of being a professional photographer, a passion of his for many years. His photographs have been published all over the world to illustrate books, magazines, calendars and postcards. He served as the contributing editor of the Antique Automobile Club Magazine for over 20 years, with many of his photographs of antique automobiles published on the magazine covers. His photograph of Clifton City Hall is displayed at the Barnes and Noble in Clifton Commons. Albin participated in numerous civic activities in Clifton. He served on the Traffic Safety Council for 18 years, including two terms as president, and on the Clifton Historical Commission. He was the Polish interpreter for the Clifton Municipal Court for 19 years. Although his circumstances prevented him from obtaining more formal education, Albin was well-read and had a genuine thirst for knowledge. His remarkable memory and interest in people, history and travel kept him active and vibrant for all of his 95 years. He was a great storyteller and, until the end, recounted his life experiences, which were living history to many. He was an extraordinarily honest man with great integrity. Albin had a deep sense of what was right and lived his beliefs every day, passing on those ideals to his children and grandchildren. Albin is survived by his wife of 71 years, Margaret; his daughter Cecilia and husband, Alan Zalkind, of Montclair; his son Albert and wife, Susan Zwiazek, of Clifton; and the four grandchildren who were his great pride: Joy Zalkind and husband, Albert Licon, of El Paso, Texas; Polly Zalkind and husband, Shahan Stepanian of New York City, and Alex and Kyle Zwiazek of Clifton. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Hirshboeck of Florida and brother, Bruno Zwiazek of Elmwood Park. Another brother, Milton, died in action in Anzio, Italy in 1944, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Relatives and friends may visit on Monday from 7-9 PM and Tuesday, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the Marrocco Memorial Chapel in Clifton. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 12 beginning at 9:15 AM at the funeral chapel, followed by a 10 A.M. mass at St. Paul s Roman Catholic Church in Clifton. Donations in Albin s memory may be made to Advocates for Children of New Jersey, 35 Halsey St., Newark, N.J. 07102, to support advocacy to ensure that all children are safe, healthy and educated.


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