Obituary: George Yuhasz, Prodigal Foundation founder, 57

George Yuhasz passed away on Monday, January 16, 2012 at his home in Woodbridge. He was 57 years old.

Born in Perth Amboy, the lifelong resident of Woodbridge Township was the president and founder of , a non-profit organization located in Woodbridge dedicated to enhancing the lives of children affected by cancer. The foundation was founded in 2000 and established scholarships for high school seniors whose lives were adversely affected by cancer.

Yuhasz was a graduate of Columbia University with a bachelors degree in Special Education and a masters degree in Education. He was employed by the Middlesex County Vocational Technical System in East Brunswick for many years as a teacher for children with special needs and eventually as an administrator in the central office. While there he served in the athletic department as varsity soccer coach from 1980 until 2000, and as varsity basketball coach from 1986 until 1988. Yuhasz was the Greater Middlesex County Conference Gold Division Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987, 1988 and 1990, with his team winning the NJ Vo-Tech State Championship in 1990. He also was in the 100 Win Club in the Soccer Coaches Association of New Jersey.

Among Yuhasz's other accomplishments was the founding of Pack #784 (Handicapped Scouting), and serving as past director of Hand in Hand, a festival for the mentally challenged. He belonged to Kappa Pi Education Honor Society, the National Education Association, New Jersey Education Association, Middlesex County Vocational Education Association and BPOE Elks, Lodge 2116, Woodbridge,  and was a past member of the

Additionally, Yuhasz was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Educators in 1992, served as past president of the Colonia Democratic Club, and was elected Middlesex County Committeeperson Ward 5-11th District. He was also president of the Middlesex Hungarian Democratic Organization and a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Woodbridge Township.

Yuhasz is survived by his daughter, Victoria Haigh, and her husband, Joseph, of Pennsville.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 21 at 9:15 am from the at 44 Green Street in Woodbridge. A funeral liturgy will follow at 10 am at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Perth Amboy. Interment will be private. 

Visitation will be on Friday from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm at the funeral home.