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John Auwerda Obituary
John was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and spent summers with his family in Awosting and Hewitt. John spent 30 years in Sparta, before moving to Rehoboth Beach 19 years ago.
He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1951-1955.
He received his bachelor of education from Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Md., his master of education from Montclair State College and worked on his doctorate in education from Lehigh University. John started his teaching career as an English teacher at Newton High School and retired as principal at Hopatcong High School.
He is predeceased by his children, Thomas Joaquin Auwerda and Patricia Marie Auwerda. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Adelaide deLyra Auwerda; devoted children, John Christian Auwerda and his wife, Wendy, James Vincent, Terrance Auwerda (Carmen), Jean Louise Bennett and her husband, Gary, Adelaide Wilmot and her husband, Christopher, Gary Francis Auwerda, Robert Peter Auwerda and Andrew Auwerda.
John is also survived by 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
If you couldn't find "Jack" on the golf course, he could be found tinkering in his workshop.
A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 294 Sparta Ave., Sparta. Burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Catholic Charities. The Goble Funeral Home, Sparta, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Auwerda
Fred Hemmerich
October 31, 2020
Mr Auwerda was my principal in 1984 he was an extraordinary individual who had patience with the kids and was a friend to us and not just an authority figure.
He did a lot for our school and us as students.
Thank you MR Auwerda
Fred Hemmerich
Christine Hofaker Iannotti
March 21, 2016
The Hofaker Family is very sad to hear of his passing. xo
Mike Bybee
January 15, 2016
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Auwerda's passing. I know my Dad thoroughly enjoyed the years the two worked together in Hopatcong. They were colleagues but they were also good friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
January 5, 2016
Addie when I didn't hear from you at Xmas I thought something might be wrong. I am so sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Joan Wilder
George Kaiser
December 6, 2015
When John left Newton High School, I took his place and followed his plans.....he worked for my father-in-law, Ben Cummings, at his outdoor camp, and I remember my wife and I babysitting for his brood many years ago......Later, when I was at Sparta H.S., I taught 2 of his children. Great guy, great family!
Thomas Lombard
December 6, 2015
Rest in Peace Principal Auwerda
Jane Primerano
December 3, 2015
I had him for English in 7th and 8th grade at the Ellen T. Briggs School in Lake Hopatcong. He inspired my love for literature. A very good teacher is a rare gift to an adolescent.
Debora Sisco
December 3, 2015
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Auwerda. I have fond memories of him from my high school days at Hopatcong High school. Mr. Auwerda was always a kind and gentle soul.
My deepest condolences to his family.
May your eternal bond of love bring you comfort and peace.
Rest in peace, Mr. Auwerda.
Lisa Reilly Cuoco
December 2, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hopatcong HS was truly lucky to have such a great man lead our way.
Steve O'Connor
December 2, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Diane Pittenger
December 2, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Auwerda family. It was an honor to work for Jack for so many years. I am forever grateful to have had the privilege of working for such a wonderful principal and gentleman. My thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
With Coco
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
2015 with great-grandson, Jack
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
2004 with grandson, Tommy
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
July 1986 with his mother, Gigi
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
2005
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
2005
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
1989
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
Summer 2013
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
Navy man
Linda Volmer Auwerda
December 1, 2015
Michael Kearney
December 1, 2015
Mr. Auwerda, thank you for being a firm, fair and guiding leader at HHS. RIP
Remembering John Auwerda
Vaughn Lessig
December 1, 2015
Always fond memories of Mr J.Auwerda and our memories of him fading fast,my last one would be of him handing me my diploma,his office Hopatcong High School early 1976 It is that we remember you that you can honor us.
Britta Nemeth
November 30, 2015
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Britta Nemeth
November 30, 2015
My deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers with you.
November 30, 2015
What a great blessing to have worked with Jack Auwerda. We loved him and always knew that he was "our principal". Thanks for all you did for us, and all you still mean to us, Jack. -Jim Ruckel
Ron Hunsicker
November 30, 2015
Jack, it was an honor to know you and your entire family and also to have worked with you. You will truly be missed. May you and your family have peace!
Christine Mazzella
November 30, 2015
So sorry for your loss.
November 30, 2015
What a wonderful man. God bless Jack and his family.
November 30, 2015
My thoughts and good energy are with you and your family.
Dale and Jerry Salomone
November 29, 2015
Jack, you have always been missed by those fortunate enough to have once worked with you. We thank you for those shared years. And now you will be missed even more deeply. Addie, you have our heartfelt sympathy. Jack, you have our enduring gratitude. Peace be with you.
Les Naegle
November 29, 2015
Sincere sympathy to the Auwerda family. Many fond memories of working with Mr. Auwerda in Hopatcong.
Betty Gardner
November 29, 2015
A wonderful and kindhearted Principal..
Jean Kopp
November 29, 2015
So sorry for you and your family's loss.
Christopher Palmadesso
November 29, 2015
I had the honor and forever impression after meeting Mr Auwerda. He truly was a blessed and great man. May God Bless him and his wonderful family.
Jim Pretot
November 29, 2015
Mr. Auwerda was a great influence in my life and I looked up to him. I have fond memories of fishing, sporting events, golfing and many hair cuts from him growing up. Jack and Adelaide raised a beautiful family that I felt part of for many years. Jack will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep the family in our prayers. Love Jim Pretot and family.
Linda Volmer Auwerda
November 29, 2015
Jack was a bonus dad in my life & grandpa to my children & great-grandpa to my grandchildren. One of the finest men I have known and loved. Life isn't going to be the same with him gone. I will miss him so much. My love to all of the family.
November 27, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. Please keep leaning on God, because he is away there to comfort you PSALMS 29:11
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