South Brunswick family mourns couple’s loss
Hawaiian vacation turns to tragedy
By jennifer kohlhepp
Staff Writer

A Kendall Park family mourns the loss of their loved ones, Teresa and Edward Wardiak, pictured above, who perished when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into a dormant volcano in Hawaii last week.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — They left behind many wonderful memories that their loved ones will cherish.

Kendall Park residents Mark Wadiak, his wife, Maryann, and their two sons, Kevin and Kyle, are mourning the loss of their relatives, Edward Wadiak, 55, and his wife, Teresa, 53, of Manassas, Va., who perished in a helicopter crash in Hawaii last week.

"They touched the lives of so many people, and we would just like to celebrate their lives by reaching out to the press, rather than having to contact everyone individually, by telephone," Maryann Wadiak, spokesperson for the Wadiak family said.

The couple, along with three others, died when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the side of Mount Waialeale, a dormant volcano, in Hawaii, on July 23, according to Wadiak.

"It has been extremely difficult for our family," Wadiak said. "We’re experiencing total shock. To lose two of your loved ones to an accident that was so unexpected is really, really difficult."

The couple, known by their loved ones as Jim and Tess, traveled to Hawaii to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

"They were a really special couple, who were still very much in love," Wadiak said. "They were always so welcoming, so comforting."

According to Wadiak, preliminary reports by the National Transportation Safety Board state the helicopter experienced engine failure.

"It is a tragedy, but family and friends take comfort in knowing that they loved one another greatly and enjoyed life to the fullest," Wadiak said.

Jim, who grew up in Carteret, graduated Stevens Institute of Technology and the University of Virginia with a doctorate in astrophysics. He worked as the chief operating officer of Transmitter Location Systems, a satellite tracking company in Chantilly, Va.

"Jim was very outgoing and very funny," Wadiak said. "I remember when my son pushed Jim into the pool with all of his clothes on, and Jim just climbed out and laughed because Jim did the same thing to my son the year before."

Tess, a graduate of Peabody College for Teachers in Tennessee and the University of Virginia, received her master’s degree in special education. She taught special education at Fairfax County Public School System.

"Tess was a really sweet person," Wadiak said. "After we visited with them for the Fourth of July, my son said to me, ‘When I ask Tess a question, she listens, and she really takes her time to answer me.’ "

The couple left behind two daughters, who are both married, and five grandchildren.

Also surviving are Jim’s parents, Tess’ mother, two other brothers and their wives, and four nephews.

A memorial service celebrating their lives was held Aug. 2, in Fredericksburg, Va.

"It was amazing for our family, who loved them so much, to see how many lives Jim and Tess touched," Wadiak said. "Friends, neighbors, colleagues and former students gathered to share their memories, and to comfort our family."