George F. Spath, 89, Remembered: 'His Love Would Shine Through'

NORTH FORK, NY — George F. Spath, 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 1, 2023.

He was born in Jersey City, NJ on April 6, 1933 to Marguerite (Baumann) and George Spath. He grew up in Teaneck, NJ and attended Teaneck Public schools, playing football and wrestling during his high school years. It was at Teaneck High School that he met the love of his life, Elaine Andreana. They were married in May of 1951.

George had joined the United States Marine Corps in June of 1950 as the United States entered the Korean War. George’s leadership skills were quickly recognized by the Marines, and he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and recruit drill instructor, where he served until he received an honorable discharge in June, 1954.

George then joined the Teaneck, NJ police department where he served as motor patrol officer until he was promoted to detective in the youth bureau in 1963. He worked in that capacity until his retirement in September ,1983.

George and Elaine raised their four children — two daughters and two sons — in Teaneck. He loved animals, especially dogs, and their home became a sanctuary for cats, ducks, rabbits, turtles, fish — and, on occasion, a pony might show up in the yard.

He could always be seen coaching his boys Rick and Gary on the ball fields and also participated in many a ball game in his own backyard, which would turn into a baseball field from spring through fall. No matter the sport, he loved tossing a ball around with his kids. Their property held an open invitation to neighborhood kids as there was always a basketball game in the driveway, baseball game in the backyard, or a pickup football game in the street in front of the house.

He was known as a tough Marine/cop, but his love and supporting nature for his wife Elaine and his children would shine through, always with a disarming sense of humor that was with him until the final moments of his life.

George loved the beach and his summer residence in Mattituck from his birth until his dying days. He was a member of Teaneck PBA Local 215, the Marine Corp League-Ho Ho Kus, NJ, and Knights of Columbus-Chief Justice White Council 2586, Teaneck, NJ.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 72 years, Elaine Spath, his 4 children: Laine Sullivan (Paul) of Hollis, NH, Barbara Mercier (Thomas) of Mattituck, NY, Rick Spath (Patricia) of Weddington, NC, and Gary Spath (Nancy) of Cutchogue, NY, along with his 12 grandchildren Brendan, Conor, Nicole, Alexander, Joel, Steven, Nicholas, Anne-Marie, Michael, Christina, Tim, and Theresa — and 13 great-grandchildren.

Interment will be at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ with a private graveside service.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.