John Peter Kucharek, 82, passed away on April 18, 2024. Eldest son of the late Evelyn (Griffin) Kucharek and John “Pete” Kucharek, he grew up in Cliffwood Beach, NJ, and graduated Matawan High School in 1958. After raising his family in Keyport, John moved to Montague, NJ, in 1989 to enjoy the outdoors he loved.
He is survived by his wife Lois (Hunter) Kucharek; daughters Lori Carey, Cindy Phillips (Jerry Nudi), and Beth (Glenn) Rodland; and was the beloved Pop Pop to four grandchildren, Andrew (Olga) Rodland, Jay Rodland (Cody Harris), Anthony Phillips, and Nicholas Phillips; and three great-grandchildren, Anthony Phillips Jr., Cecelia Phillips, and Anna Rodland.
He was predeceased by a brother, Daniel Kucharek, two sisters, Vilma Gontarz and Victoria Aber, and son-in-law William Carey.
The third generation of Kucharek to work at Anaconda Raritan Copper Works in Perth Amboy, NJ, John spent many years working in copper refineries in a supervisory role and ended his career as a systems mechanic at UMDNJ in Newark, NJ, from 1983 until his retirement.
John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and, later in life, photography.
A lifelong Yankees and Jets fan, he shared that passion with his daughters. He loved all sports and excelled at baseball and bowling.
Until he became ill, John had a sharp mind and a sharp wit. He enjoyed sitting for hours and talking about anything and everything with friends and family.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society, Inc (dementiasociety.org).
Arrangements were by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 West Harford St., Milford, PA (stroyanfuneralhome.com).