Obituary of Nicholas M. Chanda

Nicholas Chanda, born February 10, 1934, passed away October 30, 2017, at the age of 83. His life ended just as he had lived it -- surrounded by family.

Nick instantly captured the affection of all who met him. He loved great food, idolized Winston Churchill, and enjoyed seeing the world. He was known for his love of song, and for his joy in living life, with family at its center. He attended Fordham University, serving in the Army ROTC and after college, served his country as a First Lieutenant while stationed in Germany. Upon his return to the U.S., he received a Master's degree from Seton Hall and found his calling as a history and business teacher at Wood Ridge High School, where he taught for nearly 30 years. But "daddy," "pop-pop" and eventually "great-grandpa" were his greatest and most favorite roles. After retirement, he stayed close to family, visiting weekly with bagels and a favorite song at the ready.

Following the death of his first wife, Theresann, he found wife Barbara Jean (Pavlick), who became his dear companion and travel partner for decades. He is survived by a loving family that will miss him greatly: In addition to his wife are his children, daughter Karen O'Neill and husband Christopher; daughter Lynn Mielke and husband Charles; daughter Nancy Andrews and husband David, all of Wayne, his grandchildren, Ellen (Mielke) English and husband Jason; Mark Mielke; Brian O'Neill and wife Jeannine; Molly Andrews; and Emily Andrews; and his great grandchildren, Charlotte, Katherine and Juliet English; and namesake Nicholas O'Neill. Nick is also survived by brothers George Chanda of Wayne and Joseph Chanda and his wife Marilyn, of Florida, his dearest lifelong friend Peter Yotnakparian, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family welcomes visitors on Thursday November 2, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

A Funeral Mass will be held in celebration of his life on Friday, November 3, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, 630 Valley Rd, Wayne, followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org