John was born in Philadelphia on August 3, 1945, where he lived for 27 years. He was a very proud graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School, Class of 1964. He moved to Clayton, NJ in 1972. During his years in Clayton, he served the community in many ways. John was a councilman for 13 years, followed by a 4-year term as Mayor. While serving in these roles, John did all things for the citizens and the town he loved. He was a pillar of the community serving on many community service projects such as: D.A.R.E, member of the Mayor’s association as secretary, Clayton Place and an active member of the church including being a member of the Knights of Columbus. One of John’s proudest accomplishments in the community was through Operation Harvest where he gathered donations and distributed baskets to those in need during the holiday season for over 35 years. John is a Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks #2132. During his time with the Elks, he participated in helping raise funds for many charities including Elks Camp Moore. When John was not serving his community or spending time with his family, you could find him doing all the crosswords in the three newspapers he read daily. John also wrote a weekly column “Clayton Clippings’ for the Sentinel Newspaper. He also enjoyed bowling for many years. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rose Mary (Peel), his three children John Jr., Patrick(Kristine) and Michelle Steckel (Bradley), his grandchildren Alexander Souder (Nicollette), Shane Mitchell and Mackenzie Souder, his brothers Thomas (Charlotte), Joseph(Anne), Edward(Carol), his sisters Francis Christie(Bill), Marie Tindall(Jerry), Patricia Leech(Jim), Alice Kelly and Katherine Civatte(Duke). He is also survived by many more family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to greet family on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 7:00 – 9:00pm and on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, from 9:30-10:30am at BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple St, Clayton NJ 08312 followed by Mass at St. Catherine’s of Siena, 2 West North Street, Clayton NJ 08312 at 11:00 on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s name may be made to Elks Camp Moore at New Jersey State Elks Association Camp Moore, P.O Box 1596, Woodbridge, NJ 07095. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net Barclay Funeral Home 208 Maple Street Clayton, NJ 08312 (856) 881-3040
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