John Michael Molinari

John M. Molinari, age 102, passed away peacefully at his home in Toms River on March 12, 2026, where he enjoyed an active and involved life for the past thirty years. “Poppi,” as he was affectionately called by his three granddaughters, grandsons-in-law and seven great- grandchildren, was the rock and North Star of his family, always offering unconditional support and love. To all, he was a kind, caring, good natured, very special man.

John was born and raised in Newark and graduated from Central High School. He took courses at Northwestern, University of Wisconsin, St. Peter’s College, and Rutgers University before and after serving in the US Navy aboard the Navy Destroyer, USS Emery DE 28, in the Pacific Theater. John was proud of his status as a WWII veteran and is truly one of the best representatives of the Greatest Generation.

Following his return from military service, John met and married his beloved late wife, Frances (née Leszczak). They moved from East Orange to Linden in 1951, where they called home until 1996. John was employed by Western Electric within the Bell system, where he was elected Financial Secretary of I.B.E.W. Local 1470. He also served as Executive Secretary of the Union County AFL-CIO. In 1959 he took the position of Executive Assistant for the late U.S. Senator Harrison (“Pete”) A. Williams and, ultimately, was added the title of Director of the U.S. Senator’s NJ offices. He enjoyed a meaningful and impactful career in government and politics for twenty-four years. He was well known, well-liked and respected throughout the state for his efficiency and dedication in his efforts to assist the people across the state. He retired from a final career position with the NJ Department of Human Services to enjoy winters with Frances in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

For recreation and down time, John turned to his love of sports after, or as part of, spending time with family – as a spectator and participant. He played on championship basketball teams (CYO, St Philip Neri, Newark) and bowled in Linden leagues. He found great enjoyment in playing golf later in life and was a member of the Greenbriar Golf Association. He played a consistently good game of bocce and made throws on the court as recently as last year with his Greenbriar Woodlands Bocce Association cheering him on. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and a devoted Giants season ticket holder. He took on a more personal spectator role when he frequently appeared on the sidelines of various school and town sports venues to cheer on his granddaughters and the many teams and squads on which they played.

Above everything, John was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His adored and adoring immediate family who survive him: his daughters, Wendy Molinari, Doreen Molinari and fiancé, John DePetris; his granddaughters, Nicole Molinari Darsney and her husband, Benjamin Darsney, GinaRose Woitkun and her husband, Timothy Woitkun, Courtney Molinari Pryz and her husband, Patrick Pryz; his seven great-grandchildren, Adelyn Forbes Darsney, Wyatt Timothy Woitkun, Emersyn Rose Darsney, Ophelia Luna Woitkun, Tanner Daniel Pryz, Berkley Frances Pryz, and Laken (Lulu) Elizabeth Pryz, along with his treasured sister, Janet (Cookie) Roberts and beloved extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, will miss him immensely, as will many cherished friends and neighbors. John was predeceased by his parents, Rose and John Molinari Sr., brothers, Joseph and Anthony (Red) and his wife, Irene, and sister, Adelaide (Ging) Tomasello, and her husband, Vic, and his brother-in- law, John Roberts. His beautiful wife, Frances, who pre-deceased him eighteen years ago, will finally be reunited with him.

To mark the passing of this incredible human, relatives and friends are invited for Visitation on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 3:00pm -8:00pm at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, March 28, at 9:30 am at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755. Entombment will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to any veteran or military charity of your choosing (e.g. Wounded Warrior Project; Disabled American Veterans; Gary Sinise Foundation)