John Joseph DiPaola

John Joseph DiPaola, age 85 years, of Franklin Township, NJ, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at home.

Born on March 13, 1938, in Elizabeth, NJ, son of the late Joseph and Mary DiPaola, where he met the love of his life Kathleen and where they lived in Elizabeth until 1986, when John moved to Three Bridges, NJ. After Kathleen passed in 2000, John decided to move to Manahawkin, NJ, in 2003, where he went on many trips and created wonderful friendships. In 2020, John decided it was time to come back home to Hunterdon County and moved in with his son, Joseph and daughter-in-law, Karen in Pittstown NJ. John’s journey through life was one defined by resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to his loved ones.

John’s love for his country led him to serve in the Army, where he displayed his bravery and dedication. Following his military service, John returned home to embark on a successful career as a Teamster with Local 408, where he was the Shop Steward and Foreman for Thompson Materials in Whippany, NJ. His strong work ethic and reliability earned him the respect of his colleagues and made him a valued member of his community.

Beyond his illustrious career, John was a loving father to his daughters, Dawn DiPaola Cooley and Colleen DiPaola Bossi as well as his son, Joseph DiPaola. He instilled in them the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance, shaping them into remarkable individuals who carry his legacy forward. John’s devotion to his children was unparalleled and his impact on their lives immeasurable.

John’s memory will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him. His warm smile, infectious laughter, and compassionate nature brightened the lives of countless friends and family members. He had the ability to make anyone feel seen, heard, and loved, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Throughout his life, John found solace in the simple joys of nature. He loved sitting at Long Beach Island and found peace and tranquility in the beauty of his surroundings, especially the lighthouse at Barnegat. His appreciation for life’s small wonders serves as a reminder to us all to find joy in the simple pleasures.

John’s battle with Alzheimer’s dementia was a profoundly difficult journey, but his resilience and strength were a testament to his indomitable spirit. He faced his challenges with grace and continued to inspire those around him, even in the face of adversity.

In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen DiPaola and his daughter, Colleen Bossi.

Surviving are his son, Joseph DiPaola and his wife, Karen; daughter, Dawn DiPaola Cooley; sisters, Mary Reinbeck and Anne DePaola; six grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Jordan, Logan, Lorena, Daniela, and Sofia; five great grandchildren; many extended family members; and several dear friends.

Life celebration arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

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, contributions may be made to Alzheimers Foundation of America, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60611 or online by clicking HERE or to Hunterdon Health Foundation, 9100 Wescott Drive, Suite 202, Flemington, NJ 08822 or online by clicking HERE.

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

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