John Duane “Jack” Force, age 91 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at home, surrounded by his cherished wife of 69 years, Sonia, and his devoted family, all under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born in Norristown, PA, August 22, 1928, son of the late John Chester and Evelyn Stout Force, John grew up in Titusville, NJ and had lived in Flemington and Raritan Township since the 1950’s.

A 1946 graduate of Pennington High School, John had a working four year scholarship to Delaware College of Science and Agriculture, earning his degree in Dairy Husbandry. In the early part of his career, he managed dairy herds in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Seeing much talent in John, Surge Dairy Farm Equipment Company game him a sales position covering over 215 farms in Hunterdon County, NJ.

Over the years, much to John and many resident’s dismay, the dairy farms dwindled and John went into business for himself. Purchasing real-estate, he and his wife developed the original Paul Bunyon Village, and also owned and operated the renowned Blue Ox restaurant. He would later be offered the opportunity to purchase Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe by the famous bike racer Pete Tedeschi. He ran the business for many years, transitioning it to his son, Dan, who continues the family tradition to this day, employing the same caring values his father instilled in him.

Family was John’s world. In the late 1940’s he spied a Ms. Sonia Stout, and it was not long before he won her over to go on a date with him. It was at their first date at Bowman’s Tower, where sharing an ice cream, when they both realized that they had found their soul mate. They would marry at the Titusville United Methodist Church on August 18, 1951.

The couple would go on to become a true patriarch and matriarch of a loving and extended family of which John was exceptionally proud. He loved to be there for his family in every way, from listening, to teaching life skills, to simply being a loving friend. He and Sonia raised their family in a caring and hard working environment and were happy to be able to show the kids unconditional love. The family shared many family camping vacations, and the couple was proud to be able to bring their entire family to Disney World for their 50th anniversary celebration. To Sonia and John, making the memories was just as important as the memories.

Having many hobbies from small game hunting, to golf, John also enjoyed antiquing, farming, biking, collecting his world famous collection of milk bottles, speaking at many events about the history of dairy farming, and creating ice racing trails for the neighbored kids when the first snow fell each year!

John was also involved with the community and was an Exempt Member of the Flemington Fire Department; a past member as a child of the Titusville Fire Department; a former coach of South Hunterdon Little League; a member of Darcy Lodge F. & A.M.; a member of the Hills and Valley Gun Club; a former member of the Flemington-Raritan School Board; the founder of the Hunterdon County YMCA BMX Association; a member of the National Association of Milk Bottle Collectors; and a member of the Flemington United Methodist Church.

John leaves a legacy of compassion and love that shines through the eyes of his family members and friends, and his loyalty and gentle nature will not soon be forgotten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas in 1955; and a granddaughter, Annie Mills in 1993.

Surviving are his other half and best friend, Sonia Stout Force; his children and their spouses, Daniel and Patti Force, Joy and Rob Merrick, Amy Force, and Holly and Bob Mills; his grandchildren and their spouses, Meredith and James Cozzarelli, Lindsay and Sean Hayes, McKenzie Merrick, Eddie and Elise Zakrzewski, Emily and Josh Krueger, R.J. Merrick, Jake Mills, Luke Mills, and Jesse Mills; his great grandchildren, Loch, Lucy, Maddie, Isla, Nora, and S.J.; a sister and brother-in-law, Wynelle and David Saafelder; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jocelyn Sickels, Carol and Robert Meszaros, Nancy and Gary Zwick, and Penelope Branham; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

***Due to the inability to have a public ceremony at this time, and knowing how vital the love of family, friends, and the community is when someone passes, everyone reading this is encouraged to leave a detailed note on this page—perhaps a favorite story, or maybe the way John touched your heart—something to help inspire a measure of comfort and hope to all who read the comments.***

Private immediate family viewing, a life celebration service officiated by Certified Celebrant D.J. Wright, and burial at the family plot in Titusville United Methodist Church Cemetery, Titusville, NJ, was private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. ( Watch the service and burial by clicking HERE)

A public life celebration service is being planned at a later date under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Flemington, NJ. Please check back on this page for updated service information; again, the information will not be available until the restrictions are lifted.

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

Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to the Hunterdon County YMCA or online by clicking HERE.

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