John Walter Wasuk

John Walter Wasuk

AGE: 93 • Forked River

John Walter Wasuk, of Forked River, NJ, passed away on November 9, 2012, after a long illness. Born October 20, 1919, in Glasgow, Scotland, he immigrated to the United States at age three, growing up in the tenements of New York's infamous lower East side. Ever the non-conformist, he eschewed traditional employment in favor of gambling to support himself until, at age 29, he met the love of his life, Edna Stewart, in a bar on East 81st St. in Manhattan. Later that night, he told his mother "Ma, I met the girl I'm going to marry". Thus began their love story, which was to last more than five decades. John was a proud Navy veteran of WWII. He went on to a career in public service at what is now East Jersey State Prison, formerly known as Rahway State Prison, retiring as a Lieutenant corrections officer in 1978. He then enjoyed 20 years of service as court clerk for the Honorable Peter Giovine in the Ocean County court system, retiring in 1998.

John was predeceased by his parents Walter and Mary Wasuk, his sister Sophie Neubauer and her husband George, and his beloved wife Edna Ellen Wasuk. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Patricia Wasuk, his daughter Michele Egbert and her husband Alan, his granddaughter Jaclyn Libot and her husband Kyran, and his granddaughter Rachel Egbert.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Van Dyke Hospice and Palliative Care Unit of Community Medical Center for their sensitive and compassionate support throughout John's illness, and the outstanding care he received during his final days.

John's final resting place will be New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In accordance with his wishes, services will be private. If you would like to honor John's memory, please consider a donation to either the Wounded Warrior Project or any charity which will aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Arrangements by Ocean County Cremation Service, Forked River.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather, openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy". Eskimo proverb.