John Erla

John Erla, 87, of Whiting NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. John was born in Teaneck, NJ and grew up in Edgewater but spent most of his life in Jersey City where his father was a well-known barber.

He had a long-term career in Information Technology (IT) as a Computer Programmer and System Administrator. Early on, John worked in the financial district in Manhattan and later for Roche Pharmaceuticals in Parsippany.

John was an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed spending countless hours in his radio room communicating with people from all over the world. He loved grilling on his BBQ and was famous for his burgers. Most of all, John loved traveling on cruises with his wife. He will be dearly missed.

John was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Amiela “Nellie” Erla; his sisters, Lottie and Stella; sister-in-law, Barbara; and his beloved cat, Gonzo. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret “Magee”; his children, Mark Pellicano and his wife Patricia, Gregory Pellicano and Susan Sharpe; his grandchildren, Albert Sharpe and Nicole, Cynthia Gagnon and her husband Mark and Chelsi May; and his great-grandchildren, Nicole, Alex, Tony and Mia. He is also survived by his sister, Chris; brother, Peter; sister, Agnes; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Rd. Whiting, NJ. A Funeral Service will begin at 4:30PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of John to Alzheimer’s New Jersey online at https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNDXEYQYHU?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&utm_s_subsrc=giving_google_brand_alz_donations&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1707986387&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvajDBhCNARIsAEE29WqHucfQ_bTvPhRn6qxYY4lt9E89OFLybFxwye3LUTL7RR5FyuStL5UaAuxQEALw_wcB

Please visit www.andersoncampbellwhiting.com for more information or to post a tribute.