HAMPSTEAD — George Wojtech (pronounced “wo-tek”) was born October 13, 1947 in Newark, NJ, to Karel and Ann (Morrow).
The name Wojtech is of Czech origin, but at some point modified from the original spelling Vojtech, which means “happy warrior”. Morrow, his mother’s maiden name, is the Anglicization of a Gaelic word for “sea warrior”.
Despite being a descendant of apparently war-like Czech and Irish ancestors, George was extremely mild-mannered. The youngest of three brothers, he enjoyed carefree summers at Lake Owassa which were the source of many happy memories. He enjoyed returning there with his children as an adult, vacationing in a rustic cabin and bathing in the lake, which always thrilled his wife, Janet.
As the youngest child in his family, George was doted on. Upon graduation from Union High School, he was gifted a 1957 Thunderbird- much to the chagrin of his older brothers. He left NJ behind to attend the University of Maryland as the recipient of a track scholarship. One of the highlights of his athletic career was competing against OJ Simpson. He excelled in the 600-yard run, winning the ACC Championship in that event in 1968 and 1969. George enjoyed the strategic aspect of races and the mental toughness required.
George served in the Army National Guard and worked for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, retiring as Division Chief. He enjoyed working on projects such as converting a prison into a daycare, and through work met his wife, Janet. He was a devoted husband for 47 years and together they raised three children: Daniel (Tara), Greg (Jenn), and Janna (Mark). George was proud to be Pop Pop to Luke, Caroline, Landon, Annsley, Eleanor, Lee and Grace.
George was passionate about sports and loved the game of tennis, which he enjoyed playing during retirement in Hampstead, NC. He encouraged his kids and grandkids in their sporting endeavors. Most of all, he was a gentleman and treated everyone with kindness and respect regardless of background. He always wanted to know the name of his server in a restaurant so he could address them personally and learn about them. Even as his health severely declined due to ALS, he would concern himself with how everyone else in the family was doing. George retained the mental grit of an elite runner despite ALS affecting his physical capacities. He was truly a warrior who never hid his love for family.
Per George’s wishes, a celebration of life will occur in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ALS Association.
