John A. Thievon

Toms River - Retired Dover Township Police Detective John A. Thievon, Badge #87, affectionately know by many as “Pop Pop” or just “Pops”, passed away on March 7, 2022. Born in Newark, NJ to Edward Paul Thievon and Anna Francis Thievon, he was raised in North Arlington, NJ and graduated from Queen of Peace High School in 1958. It was here that he met his wife of 59 years, Kareen Lee (Drew) Thievon, and began his 42 year career in law enforcement.

In 1967, he relocated to the Pleasant Plains area of Toms River when he joined the Dover Township Police Department. For 17 years, he patrolled primarily the Plains, Ortley and Ocean Beach on the barrier island. In 1984 he was promoted to Detective where he remained for the final 23 years of his career.

John was preceded in death by his parents and an older brother William McTeigue. Surviving are his wife Kareen, his daughter Doreen Sumner, and her husband Robert, his son John (Jay) Thievon, and his wife Kathleen, all of Toms River. Additionally, his pride and joy, the Saturday morning breakfast club: Emma Sumner, Kasey Thievon, Kolin Thievon, and Kyran Thievon. He leaves behind his brother Louis Thievon and his wife Trudy, his sister in law MaryLou McTeigue-Purcell, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A humble and giving man, John lived his life with a passion for his family, his faith, and his community. Beyond the love of his chosen career, he enjoyed his time with family and friends. Family ski trips, cruises with Kareen, summer escapes to the Outer Banks, retirement and anniversary trips and annual family reunions at his home are some of the fondest memories his extended family share. Upon retirement his focus became his grandchildren and any of their endeavours; horseback riding, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and swimming kept his calendar full. He was an active member of The Ocean County Emerald Society, the 200 Club, and the Ocean County Fraternal Order of Police.

In his honor, a memorial gathering will be held at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ on Thursday March 10, 2022 between the hours of 4 and 8pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, NJ at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to either of his two of his favorite charities; St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital or Toms River’s Field of Dreams, 1358 Hooper Avenue Box 252, Toms River, New Jersey 08753.