John Gieson

John J. Gieson III, 86, of Pompton Lakes, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 6, 1939, in Orange, New Jersey, John graduated from Clifford Scott High School, where he excelled as a record-setting multi-sport athlete. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a military police officer stationed in Germany. In 1962, he joined the Millburn Police Department, where he built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, rising to the rank of Detective Lieutenant before retiring in 1993. He later worked as an investigator for AIG Insurance for five years.

John had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid sportsman who looked forward each year to deer hunting in the fall and fishing during the summer. Photography remained a lifelong passion, and he meticulously preserved thousands of images in carefully organized albums. Yet nothing brought him greater joy than being with his family, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grandad.” He was a steady source of support and was always ready to capture life’s special moments with his camera.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret (Lynn) Gieson; his brother, Robert F. Gieson; his sister, Maureen B. Norton; and his granddaughter, Emily A. Marshall. John is survived by his wife, Linda “Blondie” (Ray) Gieson; his daughter, Pamela Lynn Marshall; his son, John J. Gieson IV (Mary); his stepson, Matthew Finnigan (Colleen); his brother, Richard M. Gieson (Joan); his sister, Catherine M. Castoro; his sister-in-law, Patricia A. Gieson (Robert); seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.