John C. Ostapovich Sr.

John C. Ostapovich, Sr., 79 years young, of Manchester, NJ, passed away suddenly on Wednesday August 26, 2020, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, John grew up in New Brunswick and East Brunswick and graduated from South River High School. After High School, he joined the United States Air Force, serving for 4 years, and was stationed in Turkey for a time. When John came back home in 1965, he worked as a draftsman for Johns-Manville. This is where John met Patricia Malone in 1966 and they married in 1967. After they married, they lived in Somerville and Manville before raising their family in South Bound Brook for 41 years. In 2014, John and Patricia moved to Manchester, NJ.

John started as a draftsman at Johns-Manville and after a few years began his 27- year career at Johnson & Johnson. At J&J, John began as an Associate Engineer in the Engineering Department and he retired as Principal Engineer. After retiring, he continued pursuing his passion for design and engineering as a packaging engineering consultant for many more years. In addition, John also went into real estate alongside his wife Patricia and worked for Weichert Realtors in Hillsborough and Brick, NJ.

John was a member of the South Bound Brook Fire Company for 44 years and served as Chief in 1984. He was currently the Vice Secretary of the Fire Company and the Secretary of the South Bound Brook Fire Company Relief Association. He was a member of the American Legion Post 129, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Vietnam Veterans of America Post 452. John enjoyed sports and in the 1970s played softball competitively, even participating in the 1979 United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Industrial World Tournament in Fenton, MO. John finally hung up his softball cleats a few years ago, having played in the Fireman’s league in Somerset County NJ for many years.

To say John enjoyed life is an understatement. John’s family was his most prized possession in the world, and that began with his great love for his wife of 53 years, Patricia. Together they raised three children and John was always there supporting, encouraging, and truly enjoying spending time with them; he always took such pride in all of their achievements. John was also blessed with 7 grandchildren that lit up his life and he treasured every moment with them.

John loved life and always gave it his all! He always enjoyed a good celebration, especially tailgating at college football games. John could never sit still so you could find him engaging with his children and grandchildren in all their interests and activities, enjoying time in the pool or kayaking with them and even taking the occasional spin on a backyard zip line! John loved swimming and body surfing in the ocean and spending time on the water. He loved boating and fishing, fresh or saltwater, which is a tradition he instilled in his grandchildren. He loved all animals, even keeping a box of treats for the neighbor’s dogs that came to visit. Always full of energy, John was ready to help others with things like snow blowing their walks, he could also be found riding his bicycle, or spending his time gardening – his vegetable gardens and flower beds were another source of pride.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Patricia, his loving children; Lynn Pawelski and her husband Chet, John C. Ostapovich Jr and his wife Linda, and Beth Marie Ostapovich; his adored grandchildren: Matthew, Alexandra and Jillian Pawelski, John Philip, Abigail, Grace and the late Emma Catherine Ostapovich; his brother and two sisters: Richard Ostapovich (Linda), Barbara Pleva (Jack) and Patricia Hollenbeck (Terry), as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

John’s sudden passing leaves a giant hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him so. He had much living left to do.

Due to the current Coronavirus environment, services will be private but a Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Air Force Aid Society (www.afas.org), the South Bound Brook Fire Company (PO Box 464, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880), or the charity of your choice.