Search by Name

Search by Name

John Kadimik Obituary

HOPATCONG -- John Patrick Kadimik died on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at St. Clare's Hospital/Denville, surrounded by his family. He was 85.

The only child of Zachary and Marie (Chapla) Kadimik, John was born on St. Patrick's Day 1925 in New York City. During the Depression, after a bout of scarlet fever, he moved with his parents to Wharton, where they opened The Sugar Bowl, a popular ice cream parlor, candy store and restaurant. He graduated from Wharton High School in 1943 where he was indispensable on the football team and was named to the All County basketball team. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army, anxious to serve his country. His tour of duty took him to Japan with the 484th Traffic Regulating Company where he was an integral part of the Transportation Corps that revitalized the post-World War II Japanese railway system.

Upon his return to the states, John worked for the Central Railroad of New Jersey as a station master in Rockaway. In 1947 he met the love of his life, cadet nurse Hazel Ann Ward. They married in 1948 and together founded Merry Heart Nursing Home in Succasunna in 1956. John attended Rutgers and New York Universities and earned his health care administrator's license. He was a member of the American College of Health Care Administrators and served on the Political Action Committee of the Health Care Association of New Jersey. He sponsored and actively participated in the Merry Heart-Greystone Project, returning individuals with mental health issues to the community to live and work. For many years, he hosted a volunteer breakfast prior to the Horseshoe Lake Easter sunrise service and provided Meals On Wheels to seniors.

He served his community well as a 50 year member and past president of the Roxbury Succasunna Kiwanis Club, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Roxbury Public Library and Treasurer of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club. He was an active member of the Roxbury Township Historical Society and a lifetime member of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society, and a long time member of the Lake Hopatcong Antique & Classic Boat Society.

John enjoyed competitive sports throughout his entire life. He was an avid skier, sailboat racer, tennis player and golfer, attaining his first hole in one at age 80! He traveled extensively including a trip around the world on the Concorde in 1990 and a bareboat charter in the British Virgin Islands with 'the boys' in 2006. Special destinations were Zermatt, Switzerland and Barbados. But his favorite places on earth were his beloved homes and surroundings on Lake Hopatcong and in Vermont where he could often be seen cruising the lake in his 1912 Fay & Bowen or skiing down a Green Mountain slope followed by a Stoli on the rocks in front of the fire.

John is survived by his devoted family, his wife of 62 years, Hazel Ward Kadimik, two children, his daughter, Candace A. Kadimik of Sea Girt, and his son, John P. Kadimik II and wife J. Kimberly (Powers) Kadimik of Hopatcong, and four grandchildren, Natashia and John P. Kadimik III and Alexander and Megan Ruiter and his beloved cat, Zeus.

Memorial services will be private. However, there will be a Celebration of John's Life for friends and family at a later date. Donations may be made in John's memory to the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society or the Roxbury Public Library.

'Lord, help us through our grief and loss, through valleys deep when Dad is gone. Then heal our hearts, renew our joy, grant us the strength to carry on.' -- Fitzhugh.

'FAREWELL, FRIENDS.'

Published by The New Jersey Herald on Dec. 3, 2010.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kadimik

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Dear Hazel, We were so sorry to read of John's death. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you. Syd and Meryl Ram

December 6, 2010

Hazel,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Having known John for only a short amount of time, I can honestly say he was a real gentleman with great warmth. He will be missed by more than you will ever know. You and your family are in our prayers. Roger, Sonnie, and Chris Garrett

Roger Garrett

December 5, 2010

Dear Hazel,

We were so saddened to read about John's death in today's paper. We will always remember all the good times & great meals we had with the two of you. John made every occasion fun and was a great Kiwanian, as you well know.

Our hearts go out to you & your family, and we will hold you in our prayers.

Diane & John Dellicker

December 3, 2010

My mom worked at Merry Heart in the 70's and enjoyed working there. My sympathy to the family. B.DeWitt-Byrne

December 3, 2010

So sorry to here of your loss. My very first job was working at Merry Heart. What a delight it was to work there. I thought Merry Heart was the best nursing home around.Mr Kadimik was so caring, understanding and special to me.That where I first started in the medical field.I went on to work in a few other nursing homes and they never could compare to Merry Heart. I went on to work for Dover General and also Dr. Luczynski. He was a patient of his so I was able to tell him what Merry Heart had instilled in me and what it meant to me working there.I have such fond memories that will last a life time. May he rest in peace. He will be greatly missed.May your memories help you through your sadness.I will remember your smile. RIP

Sandie Davis

December 3, 2010

I knew John Kadimik as a little girl and later when I went to work at Merry Heart in high school. He was a man who greeted everyone and treated everyone as if they were special. The world was certainly a better place because of him. My parents were dirt farmers and John Kadimik bought vegetables/fruits from them but never looked down upon them because they were farmers. He was one of the most elegant people I have ever encountered. MY experience working at Merry Heart (my first job) helped me to gain the work ethic I still have today. I met many wonderful people there and it allowed me to understand more fully how our elders should be taken care. He will be greatly missed, but we should remember the wonderful things he did,

L Jones

December 3, 2010

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in John Kadimik's name

Memorial Events
for John Kadimik

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Kadimik's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more