John J. Dunn

Dunn, John, Sr. (Jack), 72, of Galloway, passed away suddenly at home on January 27, 2018. John was born July 20, 1945 in Somers Point. He lived in Absecon a majority of his life and graduated from Pleasantville High School. He grew up on the Absecon Creek and was an avid boater and angler, and was also an active member of the Absecon Saltwater Sportsmen and Club Harold. John continued a family tradition serving as a volunteer in the Absecon Fire Department. He worked over 40 years in local supermarkets, spending most of that time as produce manager of the Pleasantville and Manahawkin Pathmarks. In 1988, John cofounded the Greater Atlantic Bluefish Tournament, which has raised over a million dollars for local cancer patients. He spent nearly 20 years calling Grassy Key, Florida his second home for the winter and early spring at the “Luv Shack”, where his second “family” will greatly miss him.

John truly loved helping others, whether it was raising money for charity or working on a car or boat. He had an infectious personality and seemed to know everyone around him at all times. He remained just as busy in his retired years spending time with grandchildren and finding projects big and small. John devoted his life to his family and friends and for that we will be forever grateful.

John is survived by his loving wife of 9 years, Ruthann (Spencer); his children, John Jr., Paul (Susan), Shelli Sykut, Brian (Nicole), and Lisa (Ernie); brothers, Tom (Roseann), Bill, Bob, Mike (Julie), Jim (Kathy), Steve (Joan), and sister, Randi Lawson (Chuck); stepdaughters Laura Mauger and Jamie Doherty; 15 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and his four-legged best friend of 14 years, Chopper. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Agnes (Wylie), and stepfather Mike Ricci. He will be dearly missed by all his friends and extended family.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, February 3, at the Absecon United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm, with visitation with family beginning at 1:00 pm. It is John’s wish that this not be a solemn occasion, so please consider dressing casually in a favorite fishing, tropical, or Eagles shirt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Atlantic Cancer Fund, PO Box 1633, Absecon, NJ 08201. For online condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com.