John A. Bocchino

John Anthony Bocchino, 89, of Toms River, NJ, passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, while surrounded in prayer by his loving family. Born in Raritan, NJ, John lived in Hillsborough, NJ for over 50 years before moving to Toms River in 2016. He worked in the construction industry as a skilled carpenter and mason, and was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, having served during the Korean War.

John went by several nicknames, to include: “Johnny Boy;” “Bo;” “Bokey;” “Crazy Poppy;” and “Forrest Gump.” John was known by many as the life of party; he was the center of attention and entertainment. He loved music and found joy in dancing and singing. He loved to crack jokes, and his boisterous, spunky character enlivened those he came in contact with. He also idolized John Basilone, a USMC Medal of Honor recipient, who was from Raritan, NJ, and was a supporter of the Hillsborough Little Dukes (Pop Warner Football). What John loved most were his friends and family; he was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

John is survived by his ex-wife, Betsy Bocchino (Michalowski); his three sons, John Bocchino (Marta), Mark Bocchino (Nancy), and Keith Bocchino; his daughter, Lisa Altimus (Paul); his grandchildren, Stefanie, Laura, and Anthony; his great grandchildren, Braedon and Bryson; and his sister, Angelina Glenn.

John joked constantly about being Forrest Gump, looking for his “Jenny.” As he is remembered, John’s family can only hope his personality and character lives on and he finds his Jenny, dancing and singing in heaven.

Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road Toms River, NJ 08755. There will also be visitation on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. At 10:30 am, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, 130 St. Maximilian Lane Toms River, NJ 08757, which will be followed by a Military honors burial at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial, 350 Province Line Rd. Wrightstown, NJ 08562. Post burial, friends and family will celebrate John’s life at Villa Vittoria, 2700 Hooper Ave Brick, NJ 08723.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.quinn-hoppingfh.com.