George Torgun

George Torgun

George Torgun, originally named Gieorgiej Torgun, came into the world on April 23, 1923, as the child of Grzegorz and Marja Torgun in what is known today as Worotinici, Belarus.

George’s father ventured to America in 1907, briefly returned to Russia, and then made a permanent move in 1912. By 1913, he had established his residence at 625 Ferry Avenue. Maxim Torgun, his brother-in-law, followed in 1914. After settling in Camden in 1913, Max Torgun served in the United States Army during World War I and became a naturalized citizen in 1919.

In 1922, Grzegorz Torgun journeyed back to Eastern Europe and entered into marriage. Three years later, the Torgun family, including young George, returned to the United States, arriving on October 28, 1925, via the S.S. Estonia from Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland) at the New York port. Immigration records reveal that their sponsor in the USA was a cousin named Miro Hryciuk, residing at 529 Ferry Avenue, Camden. Upon their arrival, both father and son adopted the name George.

According to the 1930 Census, George was born near Grodno, then part of Poland and now in Belarus. He and his parents were classified as “White Russians,” hailing from Belarus, and arrived in the USA in 1925. Younger brother Nicholas was born in New Jersey in September 1926, and an uncle, Maxim Torgun, shared their home. Max Torgun had relocated to Camden in 1913, served in the United States Army during World War I, and obtained citizenship in 1919.

George Torgun’s formative years unfolded in Camden’s 8th Ward, centered around the intersection of Ferry Avenue and Broadway. The 1927 City Directory listed the family’s residence at 1604 South 6th Street. By 1929, as per the Camden City Directory and the 1930 Census, they had moved to 1817 Salem Street. Eventually, the Torgun family settled at 1900 South 6th Street, where they resided when George Torgun graduated from Camden High School in 1941. By 1942, their address had shifted to 1744 South 6th Street.

On April 23, 1943, George Torgun enlisted in the United States Army, embarking on service in Europe during World War II. He received an honorable discharge on March 22, 1946. His family still resided at 1744 South 6th Street when the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled, and George Torgun was a resident there as late as 1950.

Following his military service, George Torgun assumed the role of a reserve fireman in Camden. He began his career as a bricklayer with the Cohen Construction Company around 1950. Subsequently, he worked for a year as a maintenance worker at the Harshaw Chemical Company, followed by a two-year stint with the DiMarco Construction Company before earning an appointment to the Camden Fire Department.

George Torgun officially became part of the Camden Fire Department on August 31, 1953. His place of residence at that time was 415 Van Hook Street. By 1956, he had been assigned to Engine Company 3, situated at 1815 Broadway, conveniently close to his home.

After an admirable 28-year tenure as a Fire Fighter, George Torgun retired in December of 1981. He spent his later years in Gloucester City and eventually passed away on February 24, 2006.


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    Beloved husband of the late Gertrude Mary (nee Kane). Brother of the late Nicholas. Loving father of Richard ( Darlene ) Gloucester City, Gertrude ( Walter ) Cassel, Pennsauken, NJ, Glenn of Las Vegas, NV. and the late George Nicholas. Loving father-in-law of Gerry Torgun of Gloucester City. Proud grandfather of Dawn, Scott, Nicole, George,…

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    On March 11, 1999, Gertrude M. (nee Gallagher) of Gloucester City, NJ. Age 74 yrs. Beloved wife of George Torgun. Loving mother of Richard and George Torgun, Gertrude Cassel and Glenn Torgun. Dear sister of Christopher and John Gallagher and Dorothy Jacob. Also survived by 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are private and…

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    GEORGE TORGUN was born Gieorgiej Torgun on April 23, 1923 to Grzegorz and Marja Torgun in what is now Worotinici, Belarus.

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