George R. Bandics, 78, of Edison, passed away suddenly on May 12, 2021, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He was born on June 7, 1942, in New Brunswick.

George served his country honorably in the US Navy from 1960-61 where he earned the National Defense Service Medal. After volunteering as a firefighter, in 1965, he joined the Edison Police Department and rose to the rank of Sergeant. While there, he headed-up the Edison PD's planning and research, wrote their code of ethics and attended the FBI National Academy where he graduated "top of class." In 1979, George joined The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office as a Detective.  George flourished in this environment and rose to the rank of Deputy Chief, before retiring in 1998.  George then accepted the role of Director of Police for Middlesex County College, serving for two years.  Since then and up until his passing, he worked for the Federal Government protecting the security of the United States and its citizens. George spent his life in service to others.

George was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Perth Amboy. There, the girls knew him for his singing where he performed at all the "CYO" dances and the boys knew him for his athletic ability on the baseball field where he once threw a "one-hitter" verses Perth Amboy High.  This is where he met and later married his high-school sweetheart, Joyce; they were married for 58 years.

George went on to receive an Associate's Degree from Middlesex County College, a Bachelors Degree from Thomas A Edison College, and at the tender age of 51, a Masters Degree from Seton Hall University.

Just for fun, and a few extra bucks, George became a basketball official. Refereeing became his passion so George spent the next 33 years officiating basketball for Special Olympics, middle and high school, all the way through woman's college division one. Recently, as his legs started to slow down, he began officiating high school volleyball, as he only needed to stand on a ladder to do it.

After his "official" retirement from law enforcement, George took up the game of golf and just like everything else, he excelled.  He took pride in his game and his regular golf buddies became his second family.

George always placed an emphasis on his family and friends, always passionate and present for both.  He gave everything of himself to whomever needed it.

Needless to say, a big part of his life was his grandchildren.  Once Kyle was born, so was pop-pop -- never missing an event, scholastic or athletic,  or a family get-together.  Recently, George was blessed with two more grandchildren, Tyrique and Tyrese, a curve ball that he gladly hit out of the park.

A life-long public servant, student, athlete, husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, George was deeply loved by the many he touched and will sorely be missed. "We Love You Dad".

George is pre-deceased by Father; George Bandics of Perth Amboy, Mother; Mary Yusko of Perth Amboy, and Brother; Msgr. Alan Borsuk of Perth Amboy.

George is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce Bandics, of Edison; three sons: Alan Bandics and his wife Karen of Mountainside; George Bandics Jr., and his wife, Neshawna, of Edison; and Christopher Bandics, and his partner, Patricia Lovas, of Edison; three grandchildren: Kyle, Tyrique, and Tyrese.

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863 from 4:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Monday at 9:30 am followed by a 10:00 am Service of Divine Liturgy at St. Michael's Church in Perth Amboy. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery.