George Otlowski, Jr.
PERTH AMBOY – When George Otlowski, Jr. was feted as Man of the Year by the United Poles in America, those on the dais had one common thread in their speeches. While talking about Otlowski, Jr.’s accomplishments, the speakers mentioned how much the strong bond and influence of his father, the late Mayor George Otlowksi, Sr. had on him.
In this case, the apple did not fall far from the tree. There were about 14 speakers in all, including the honoree. Politicians and those who worked and knew both father and son.
Those on the dais included Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy City Council President Joel Pabon, Assemblymen Craig Coughlin and John Wisniewski, former South Amboy Mayor Jack O’Leary, Former Councilman Armamd Cannamela, Sheriff Mildred Scott, (Businessman Tommy Hudanish, close friend Venus Majeski and Marta Suchcicka who served as Masters of Ceremonies), John Klajn from the ZPA with his fellow Board Members along with local clergy.
SEE PHOTO GALLERY FOR THIS EVENT
Otlowski, Jr. was presented with the ZPA civic award by John Klajn and the ZPA Board Members.
Otlowski, Jr. was continuously lauded by the speakers who spoke of his willingness to help those with the greatest need without any fanfare but just out of the goodness of his heart.
Former Mayor Jack O’Leary remembered when George Otlowski, Jr. was the attorney for the South Amboy School Board and he how he cared so much for the South Amboy school children.
Sheriff Mildred Scott reminisced the times that Mr. George Otlowski, Sr. would visit her father. She made it a point to always refer to him as “Mister” and never only his first name. That was the way she was brought up to respect her elders. She said to Otlowski, Jr., “My dad and your dad were great friends. They made sure that the integrity of Perth Amboy remained.”
She also told George, Jr., “You’re that quiet storm,” and George, Sr. was a mentor to a lot of upcoming politicians. “I know if your father was still here, he will be walking around greeting everyone by name. I know your dad and my dad would be very proud of you tonight.”
Council President Joel Pabon told George, Jr., “You are true leader and you lead by example. You never say, ‘I did this and I did that.’ It’s a blessing to have you here in Perth Amboy.”
Keynote speaker Assemblyman Craig Coughlin said, “In 1983 I was appointed to the Board of Education in South Amboy. George became a supporter, a mentor and a friend.” Coughlin drew a laugh when he said, “George was kind to me, but he was probably looking for a vote from me. But you are a true spirit of the City. George, Jr. is easy, laid back and has a penchant for being late. He takes a nap every day. He’s helped an array of people and always is generous of his time. He gives a lot in other ways to charitable and other religious organizations. George, you will not get rich from this. But you will go to heaven. As a public servant and an attorney, he has also served in the surrounding towns. He works hard for candidates who will make a difference. George, you have improved the lives of others. You had a love and devotion to your father and he would be so proud that you are following in his footsteps.”
Mayor Diaz presented George, Jr. with a proclamation from the City and mentioned his dedication to his father, “I want to thank you for what you do for the community. We’re all here together. We treasure you and the love you show to the community. This is a great night for George.”
When George Otlowski, Jr. came to the podium to speak, he remarked about the beautiful evening and the great attendance. “I want to thank my friends, family and the staff of United Poles of America from the bottom of my heart.” He mentioned the renaming of the Mental Health Center on Lee Street, Perth Amboy for his father to the George Otlowksi Mental Health Center. “My father was a visionary. He started a junior college. He had a vision to have a mental health center in the City. If a student has a degree from Middlesex County College, they are automatically admitted to Rutgers University. My dad fought to have the County Offices in New Brunswick. I, myself listened to what other people visions are.”
He mentioned the Little Sister’s Religious Organization (somewhere). The Mother Superior came to me with the vision for a nursing home (Strawberry Hill). A Pastor from Metuchen wanted to build a religious school. I told this Pastor about the obstacles he would face in doing this. That school was built and is one of the top schools in the State. I try to help my Polish Church as much as possible. My grandparents helped build that Church (St. Stephens). There is a group of young women who teach each weekend at the school to help students learn the language and culture of Poland. I’m thank God and I’m honored tonight.”
Thadeusz Brzozowski, President of the United Poles of America thanked John Klajn and his committee for organizing this night. He told George Otlowski, Jr., “Besides being our attorney, you are a wonderful friend and you keep our culture, heritage, customs and traditions alive.”
Tommy Hudanish was instrumental in getting the mental health center renamed for George Otlowski, Sr.
Venus Majeski said when she was 10 years old, “I met him for first time and fell in love with that man, with that beautiful head of white hair. Hew ran for Freeholder. I didn’t know what that was, but I handed out flyers for him.”
The national anthem of the United States was performed by Rose Pedone and Magdalena Karajewska sang the Polish national anthem towards the beginning of the program.
