Obituaries

Michael Knodas, 87, Served in World War II and Korea

Was active in Immaculate Conception Church groups.

Michael Kondas, 87, died Dec. 19 at home surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Piscataway, he lived in Bridgewater for the last 46 years.  

A Navy veteran of two wars, he proudly served our country in World War II and in the Korean War.  A graduate of Seton Hall College, he received an advanced degree in chemistry from Fordham University.  

Michael was employed as a research chemist by American Cyanamid Company for 38 years, retiring from the Agricultural Research Division of the company in 1991. 

He was an avid traveler and photographer, often sharing his scripted slide show presentations detailing his worldly travels to the delight of family, friends and colleagues. Michael was as an exceptional violinist and was fluent in several languages.  

He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville, to include performing as a member of the Hispanic Choir and helping usher at Sunday services. He also graciously volunteered his time to the church’s Social Ministry Program through hospital visitations of ailing parishioners at Somerset Medical Center for many years.  

Michael was a warm, kind, sincere and compassionate person who touched so many lives; he truly put the interests of others before himself.  Michael will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is survived by his spouse of 50 years, Maria, a daughter Elaine Sheh and her husband Robert of Somerville, and a son David and his wife Janet of Bridgewater, along with four grandchildren, Michael, Helene, Brandon and Brianna.   

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 28 at Immaculate Conception Church.  Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater. Visiting hours will be from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 27 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Ave., Somerville.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Michael’s memory to the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS), PO Box 8073, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.


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