John Thomas Cisternino, age 90 years, of Orlando, FL, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Walt Zyck, in Oxford, NJ, under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born on July 15, 1932, in Plainfield, NJ, son of the late James and Frances Galasso Cisternino, he was raised in Somerville, NJ, and had lived in Branchburg, NJ, prior to moving to Orlando several years ago.

It was soon after graduating high school when John would join the United States Navy and serve until 1953 when he was honorably discharged.

High school was an important time not only for John’s education, but it was also where John would lay eyes on a young woman named Ruth Eleanor Hardgrove. The love and chemistry between them was instant, and in 1953, after he was discharged from the Navy, the couple married in Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville, NJ.

For many years, John was employed as a mechanic by American Cyanamid. His talent and comedic personality were much appreciated by his peers.

His true passion in life though, besides his family, was music. Playing the piano from an early age, John was a member of the band, “The Belvederes” who played weddings, banquets, fairs, and were well known throughout New Jersey.

With a natural musical ability and passion for the piano, John began a piano teaching career in the 1970’s that would last more than thirty years. His students became his extended family, and he took immense pride in both their musical and life successes. Many of his students would keep in touch and John reveled in seeing them happy. He also proudly played for seniors at nursing facilities both in New Jersey and Florida, hoping to bring a smile to each of the senior’s faces.

Grounded by a devout faith in Jesus Christ, John was instrumental in building the new Immaculate Conception Church building, Somerville, NJ, and was very involved in the life of the parish while living in New Jersey. Having faced several tough challenges over the years, especially the death of his first born daughter, Diane, at the age of one year and one week in 1959 from influenza, John’s faith remained steadfast. His faith was tested again with Ruth’s passing in 2019, but John knew in his heart he would see both her and Diane one day.

Surviving are his two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Michael Shumack of Chuluota, FL and Donna and Walter Zyck of Oxford, NJ; a daughter, Debra Cisternino-Hudak of Oxford, NJ; a grandson, Tyler Hudak; a sister-in-law, Edith Allen; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and many dear friends.

John will lie in repose on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli will take place on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ.

Interment will follow mass in the family plot at Resurrection Cemetery, 899 East Lincoln Avenue, Piscataway, NJ, and to which all are welcome.

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.

Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, c/o Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, 9100 Wescott Drive, Suite 202, Flemington, NJ, 08822, or online by clicking HERE (please ensure you select “Hunterdon Hospice” in the drop down menu when making the donation).

________________________

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

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of John Thomas Cisternino, please visit our Tribute Store.