USARZEWICZ, LOUIS STANLEY

Private funeral services have been held for Louis “Lou” Stanley Usarzewicz, Jr., 91. Born and raised in Bayonne, he passed away peacefully on June 4 after a brief, non-COVID-19 related illness. He was predeceased in 2017 by his sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Julie (nee Aftanski). Lou graduated from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Bayonne Technical High School, earned a Certificate of Mechanical Drafting from the Drake School and numerous college credits. He retired in 1992 from Bayonne High School, having worked there as a drafting teacher since 1959. Lou also co-authored a Machine Shop workbook and technical aids for the Rutgers Curriculum Lab. “Mr. U” influenced the lives of countless students and trailblazed Computer Aided Drafting into the curriculum. His students were prolific in VICA competitions (now SkillsUSA), earning four NJ State Championships, four second-place state finishes and seated 13th and 23rd in National finals. He truly enjoyed former students stopping him to fondly recall their classroom days. One of World War II’s “Greatest Generation,” Lou volunteered at age 17 for the US Army Air Corps. Stationed in Germany and Ft. Worth, TX, he became a B-29 Aircraft Systems Mechanic in the 9th Bomb Squadron, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Years later, he successfully sued the State of New Jersey to correct the WWII service dates, ensuring all qualified veterans their well-deserved classification in New Jersey’s Pension system. Lou returned home in 1949 and gained drafting experience at American Radiator, Foster-Wheeler, Hoffman LaRoche and Texaco before beginning his teaching career the same year he and Julie were married. A man of great faith, Lou was a and devoted husband and the most caring father to his three boys. He was all about Family. A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (now Saint John Paul II), Lou was a Seniors Group Board Member and active Scout Unit 19 parent, serving as Webelos Leader and Committee Member for the Cub and Boy Scouts. He was a Knights of Columbus Honorary Life Member and active kegler in their Bowling League. He fondly recalled playing on various YMCA Industrial League sports teams. Lou was also predeceased by his parents, Louis and Stella (nee Pinkos) and his sister Barbara Quinlan. He is survived by his adoring sons and their families: Louis, Elizabeth and their children, Louis and Lenore; John and Elisabeth; and Mark, Mary Ellen and their children, Clarke and Stella; his sister Clara Durak; his brother Michael and sister-in-law Rita; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.