John T. Mielach Sr.

John T. Mielach, Sr.

AGE: 85 • Pottersville

John Tilford Mielach, Sr., 85, of Pottersville, NJ, beloved husband and best friend of Geraldine (nee Gottlick) Mielach for 59 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 6, 2016. John was born in Irvington, NJ. He and Geraldine raised their six children in Scotch Plains, NJ before moving to Pottersville in 1987. Prior to serving as a Sgt. Major in the Army Reserves, John graduated from Seton Hall College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the age of 19. He went on to become the owner of Mielach Millwork, Edison, NJ, a successful and nationally acclaimed architectural woodworking company. John was the former President of AWI (Architectural Woodworking Institute) and an industry innovator having introduced computer technology into the business process as early as the mid-1970's. John was a leader in transitioning an old-world craft into a modern-day industry and generously shared his knowledge with colleagues who remained close friends long after his retirement.

John was an avid boater and instrument-rated pilot. Former resident and member of the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club in Boca Raton, FL, he enjoyed golf and was a founding member of Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Gladstone, NJ.

John is predeceased by his parents, John Tilford Mielach and Frances (nee Gross) Mielach, his brother, Frank Mielach, and his sisters, Dorothy Wujciak and Claire Davis, and son-in-law Joe Agnello. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Geraldine; his six adoring children, John, Jr. (Samantha) of Whitehouse Station, NJ, Stephen (Debra) of Toms River, NJ, Christine (David) Murdoch of Winnetka, IL, Mary Pat Forenza of Flemington, NJ, Peter of Toms River, NJ and Kathryn Agnello of Wrentham, MA. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Tozzi, of Pompton Plains, NJ.

The Mielach Family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those extended family members and friends who have been of such enormous support during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers have provided strength beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Lupus Foundation of America, New Jersey Chapter, Inc., PO Box 1184, Springfield, New Jersey 07081.

Visitation will be held on Friday Jan 8, 2016, from 4-8 pm at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Rd., Mendham. Funeral Mass Saturday 10 am at St. Brigid Church Peapack. Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum, Basking Ridge. www.baileyfuneral.com