Thursday, July 13, 2017
I had Jack for the best French class ever but also spent many summers with him at Shelter Cove rec.
He was a wiry whiz, extremely quick witted, loved basketball, hockey a grillmaster, competitive but not to a fault. He really epitomized the great rec programs from the 60s and 70s in Dover Township. Who could forget the watermelon eating and bubble gum blowing contests, the peanut and candy hunts, the weekly beach trips to Ortley, the Ocean County fairs, the float parades, softball and track and field, the two overnights at Riverwood park and the final awards ceremony in August.
He got me hired at the Easy Dover rec and later at the Winding River roller skating rink. Jack helped me and my father navigate the complex and cumbersome college financial aid system, resulting in a free ride to Boston U.
He was a force of life and battled multiple cancers. He showed resilience and grit and was a source of strength when I was hospitalized in the mid-90s.
While visiting with my family from Sweden a few years ago, we ran into him and Mr. Bevilacqua at the Driftwood Deli on Fischer Blvd. He held court for half an hour, cracking jokes, freeing up memories from long ago. He was happy. He made us happy. He will not be forgotten.
Our deepest condolences to Barbara, Jack Jr., Colleen and Erin and their families.
Rest in Peace John, Jack, Mr K. Every day IS a good day!
