John Anthony Layman, Jr., age 74 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died suddenly but peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Hunterdon Medical Center, surrounded by his cherished family.

Born to John Layman and Nellie Ularich Layman on January 14, 1949, in Pittsburgh, PA, John lived a life of dedication and integrity.

His academic excellence was showcased as he graduated valedictorian from Saint John Kanty Prep High School in Erie, PA. John’s passion for mathematics led him to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Clarion State College.

John’s tenure in the workforce began at US Steel in McKees Rocks , PA, where he worked as a forklift operator. He soon transitioned into the insurancesector and became an insurance Property Underwriter for the Home Insurance Company in Pittsburgh. His esteemed career continued with a relocation to New Jersey and culminated at the Ohio Casualty Insurance Company/Liberty Mutual from which he retired after thirty years of commendable service.

John’s life was richly woven with love for his family and friends. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathy, with whom he shared a cherished tradition of Friday date nights. A proud father to his daughters, Suzie and Carolyn, John embraced the role of softball coach, soccer coach, Indian Guide chief, and taught them how to fish and camp. He instilled in his girls a love for nature, sports, and music. His fondest memories were made by the water, be it Sandy Hook, the Finger Lakes, or the shores of Myrtle Beach.

John earned the moniker “miracle man” after surviving endocarditis in 2007 thanks to the skilled team at University Hospital of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Three of his damaged heart valves were replaced by cow valves and John humorously expressed his gratitude for life’s extended lease by ‘mooing’ at every cow he passed on trips.

John’s memory will be forever cherished by his wife, Kathy; his sister, Carol Timchak; his daughters, Suzanne Schaefer (fiance’ Jay Trstensky) and Carolyn (husband Joshua Wolfermann); his adored grandsons, Levi and Jordan; and his beloved grand dogs, Brandy and Draco.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Life Celebration Service officiated by Certified Life Celebrant D.J. Wright, along with reflections from family and friends, will follow the gathering beginning at 2:30 p.m., and to which all are welcome.

For all those attending, please wear black and gold as John would want this to be a true celebration and besides when he was with his family, he was happiest cheering on his Pittsburgh Steelers so those colors, Jerseys, etc., are all acceptable and appreciated!

Additionally, for those who are unable to attend in person, a live-stream will be offered with the stream being active on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m. Please click HERE and ensure you do not have a pop-up blocker enabled. If you are having issues, please copy and paste this link into your browser: link will be updated when finalized.

Interment will be private.

You are encouraged to visit John’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family has requested that contributions in his honor and memory may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, via mail to PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352 or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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