John J. Guidera

John J. “Jack” Guidera, 89, of Manchester and formerly of Union passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday. Born in Newark, he raised his family in Union. Jack served in Burma and India in the Army Air Corp during World War II where attained the rank of corporal. He graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark and from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. He also received graduate degrees from Seton Hall University and William Patterson University. Jack served as president of St. Peter’s College Alumni Association and was a member of the St. Peter’s College Board of Regents. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Union Council 4504, a Fourth Degree member of the J.F.K. Assembly, a founding member of the Union Council Columbian Swim Club, and a member of the Manasquan Elks. He served with the Irvington Fire Department for 10 years before becoming a teacher and vice-principal with the Newark Board of Education for 30 years.

He was predeceased by Catherine, his beloved wife of 52 years in 1998. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Karen Guidera of Union and Dennis and Denise Guidera of Middletown; a daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Tim Schultz of Marlboro; six grandchildren, Terence, Brian and his wife Caitlin, Colleen, Kelly, Kevin and his wife Susan, and Erin; and his longtime companion, Rose Malik.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm, Thursday at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am, Friday at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Lakehurst. Interment will follow in St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery in Lakewood. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 28 Kennedy Blvd. #180, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Tributes may be posted on www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com.