John Furey

Beloved Teacher, Brother, and Friend

John F. Furey Jr., 75, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, John was the son of the late John F. and Margaret Furey. A lifelong New Jerseyan, he spent most of his years in Elizabeth, where he built a life rooted in family, friendship, and education.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University in Union, NJ. He dedicated more than 30 years to teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten at Nishuane and Rand Elementary Schools in Montclair. His kindness, patience, and devotion to his students touched countless young lives. Toward the end of his distinguished career, John was honored with the Montclair Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award for Excellence in Education.

Beyond the classroom, John was known for his generous spirit and his love of books and music. A lifelong Beatles fan, he began collecting their albums and memorabilia at the age of 14 — a passion that never faded. He cherished his lifelong friendships, many of which dated back to his college days and his decades-long teaching career.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his brothers James Furey of Iowa, Brian Furey of Bloomfield, NJ, and Mark Furey of Elizabeth, NJ. He was predeceased by his brother William Furey of Bridgewater, NJ (2018). John also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Susan Furey of Bridgewater; his niece Erin Klepper of New Providence, NJ; grandnephews Liam and Luke Klepper; and his nephew Timothy Furey, his wife Arisa, and their daughter Lillian of Okinawa, Japan.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Genevieve’s Church, 200 Monmouth Rd, Elizabeth, NJ, followed by interment at Saint Gertrude Cemetery & Mausoleum, 53 Inman Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ.

Please join the family at Costa's Ristorante 120 Chestnut Street Roselle Park, NJ 07204.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/dannysdream