Obituary of John Joseph Merritt

John Joseph Merritt, also known as Jack, age 72, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023, in Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ. Born in Elizabeth to the late John and Margaret (YaYa) Merritt. John grew up in Cranford and resided in Roselle Park, Garwood, and Iselin before settling in Basking Ridge.  

John graduated from the McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City and was a licensed funeral director in New Jersey. He began his career as a funeral director at Haeberle and Barth Funeral Home in Irvington and Union, and for a short time, he worked at Higgins Funeral Home in Elizabeth. After his children were born, John changed careers and began working at Chubb Insurance Company in Warren. John worked at Chubb for 27 years, retiring as a Facilities Manager in Warren.

John was an active member of St James RC Church in Basking Ridge and was a eucharistic minister.

When John was younger, he enjoyed bowling and gardening. In his spare time, he enjoyed word search puzzles and drawing.

He is predeceased by his sisters, Marie Priola and Karen Richard, and brother-in-law, John LaForte.  

John is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Maureen; two daughters, Dawn Wiese and her husband Michael and Heather Madsen and her husband Jens; six grandchildren, Alyson, Brandon, Mikayla, Arianna, Joshua, and Tyler.  He is also survived by six siblings Roseann LaForte, Robert Merritt (spouse Debbie), Richard Merritt (spouse Cathy), Michael Merritt (spouse Kathy), Janice (spouse Michael), and Donald Merritt (spouse Sharon). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  

A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St James R.C. Church in Basking Ridge, NJ, followed by the entombment at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, NJ.