Wayne R. Cherwinski

Wayne R. Cherwinski, 78, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Lyon VA Hospital. Wayne was born in Mahopac, NY to the late Zdzislaw and Ruth Cherwinski. He moved to New Jersey at age 10 and has resided in Somerville, NJ for over 40 years. Wayne was a proud US Marine who served his country during the Vietnam War, and upon his return he began his 25 year career as a police officer with the Hillsborough Police Department. Throughout his years as an officer he was a Firearms Instructor, and taught many safety and awareness programs such as Home Alone, Stranger Danger, and Adopt-A-Cop programs in local schools. He was heavily involved with the D.A.R.E. program, and was one of their first officers when the project began in 1989. He was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1986, presented by the Mayor on behalf of Hillsborough Township. After retiring from the Police Department, Wayne was an ID Officer for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office in Somerville. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, playing pool, participating in pistol shooting competitions and spending time with his loved ones.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of over 55 years, Bonnie Cherwinski, and their sons Jeffrey Cherwinski and his wife Pamela, and Brett Cherwinski and his wife Abigail. He also leaves his grandchildren, Luke, Sierra, Lily, and Jacklyn, and a great-grandson, Rory. He also leaves his siblings Bruce Cherwinski and his wife Kathy, Sharon Sornberger, and Suzanne Carey and her husband Tom. Wayne is predeceased by his brothers, Brian and Lance Cherwinski.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, being remembered as someone who filled his loved ones' days with laughter and joy.

Visiting hours will be held from 1-4PM on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 with a funeral memorial service at 3:30PM. Cremation was held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Legion Post 12 in Somerville, VFW Post 2290 in Manville, or The Vietnam Veterans Chapter 452 in Manville.

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