John G. Black

John G. Black, 77, of Seaside Park, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2026, following a joyful St. Patrick’s Day celebration surrounded by friends and family.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, John grew up in Roselle Park and later lived in Hillside, Wayne, Union, and Seaside Park. He graduated from Newark College of Engineering and earned a Master’s degree in Engineering from Manhattan College. He worked as a licensed Professional Engineer with Lee T. Purcell Associates, contributing to sewer and water treatment projects for municipalities across the tri-state area, including Pompton Lakes.

John was a natural problem-solver who loved working with his hands. He enjoyed trips to the hardware store, drawing up plans, and tackling projects—renovating kitchens, building decks, inspecting homes, and helping friends and neighbors with repairs. He took pride in repurposing materials from past jobs and was known for returning from workdays with stories about his time spent alongside his good friend Charlie. In quieter moments, he found enjoyment in crossword puzzles, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.

A devoted family man, John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maryann; daughters Amy and Erin; son-in-law Christopher Wright; and beloved granddaughters Emily and Julia. He was predeceased by his brother Tom, his mother Varian Fluke, and his father Tom “Gil” Black. An Eagle Scout, he cherished his childhood memories in Roselle Park with lifelong friend Frank and carried a lifelong passion for water safety that he shared with his daughters and grandchildren. He loved recounting tales of his cross-country VW bus adventures, rafting the Colorado River, and many road trips with Maryann to national parks and family visits. He remained proud of the military service of his brother, father, and father-in-law, carefully preserving and passing down family stories, photographs, and documents.

John and Maryann married in 1975 and built a life centered on family. He was an active volunteer with the YMCA and USA Swimming, serving as a national-level official and starter while supporting his daughters at swim meets, fencing tournaments, and countless practices. He shared a special bond with his son-in-law Chris and embraced his role as “Poppy” with enthusiasm, building a backyard playhouse, baby-proofing the house, tracking his granddaughters’ growth on the closet doorframe, and sharing his love of waterparks, the ocean, and home-improvement shows. A supportive husband, he happily joined Maryann in celebrations and costumes, appearing as everything from Frankenstein to a Ghostbuster, and served as her loyal “sous chef” for their annual Irish Soda Bread and beloved St. Patrick’s Day gatherings.

John will be remembered as a man who found his greatest happiness surrounded by the people he loved.