Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Lentz Obituary
AGE: 83 • Middletown
Jack Lentz, 83, a lifelong resident of Middletown, died May 4, 2013 at home.
He was born on September 19, 1929 and was the only son of John and Thelma Lentz. He graduated Middletown High School in 1948 and entered into the Auto Body business in June 1949. In 1951, Jack served in the U.S. Army and served tours in Korea and Japan as a radio operator. In 1954 he built his shop, Lentz Auto Body, on Main Street in Belford where he remained in business until he retired in 2010.
Jack was very active in the Middletown community and served as a charter member of the Middletown Jaycees, a charter member, director and past president of the Middletown Chamber of Commerce; as well as serving on many township committees over the years. Jack also held several offices and was active in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Jack was well known for his love of antique auto restoration and was a regular at the antique auto shows where he won numerous trophies and awards. Among the most notable of Jack's vehicles were the 1932 Golden Rod Custom Roadster, a 1953 Studillac and the 1953 Studebaker he drove until his death. Jack was a longtime member of the Dream Machines Car Club and the Studebaker Car Club.
His passion for quality workmanship also extended to many inventions which he created including the "Toweler" and fanciful lighted metal Christmas trees which covered his yard every year. He also invented a strobe light protector, a specialized ladder for fueling airplanes, a aviation radio clip, a yoke clipboard and a kneeboard used by many small plane pilots as Jack was also an avid instrument-rated pilot and plane owner for much of his life.
He is predeceased by his wife, Catherine Lentz and a son, John Lentz. He is survived by his loving partner, Anita Barto ; his children, David Lentz, Kathy Lentz-Habbick and Pamela Stockham; eight grandchildren, Christian Griffith, Dana Gordon, Kristyn Habbick, Bryan Habbick, Courtney Habbick, Tyler Habbick, Cory Habbick, and Ethan Lentz and four great-grandchildren, Frederick and Emmeline Gordon and Justine and Kai Griffith. His extended family also includes David's wife, Linda Lentz, and their children Dorothy Macon and Kalen Macon. In addition to his family Jack leaves many special friends and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 10:30 am at Belford United Methodist Church, 180 Church St., Belford, NJ 07718. Burial will follow at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Lentz
J Kevin Moran
August 15, 2021
Couldn't say how many time I went to Jack's garage to look at thee Golden Rod and the Golden Hawk, 1956-1957 he was a legend then among the boys in Atlantic Highhlands and the Highlands who had their DL's or could not wait to get them, all wishing to drive the Golden Rod or get one like it.
May 20, 2013
Anita and the Lentz Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was one of the most kind and interesting people I know. Ken and I always felt welcome in his home. I will never forget his hospitality on the night of Hurricane Irene when we stayed at his house. The memories of his BBQs and especially the Garage Ping Pong Tournament will forever be with me! Jack even helped my daughter complete a project for college..she was at a total loss of how to get some paint to adhere to her project. Jack welcomed her into his shop and showed her exactly what to do. Needless to say, her project was a success. Anita, you and Jack had such a special bond. I will always treasure the time we spent with the two of you. May your memories of Jack comfort you always.
With love,
Pat Tartaro
Anita Thorne Rochelle-Keyser
May 14, 2013
One of the comforts God provides when one of our family members passes on, or when we slow down with aging, is the privilege of reliving through our memories.
Thank you, Jack, for so many meaningful ones to ponder.
I think the dress that my daughter Anita wore as Maid of Honor in your wedding to my sister Edith is still hanging in my attic along with mementos of your wedding reception held in our home.
I think of the joy of welcoming your precious gifts of a blue-eyed, beautiful, golden hair daughter Kathy, and of a happy smiling little son John, and then watching them grow.
Memories of great community parades and so many family picnics. How many times you laughed and reminded my son Fred how, as a little guy, he would jump up on your picnic table to entertain everyone.
The rides you always gave the children in your many vehicles stored on your "Lentz Estate" and your little jeep that you constructed in high school.
Thanks for the memory of the never to be forgotten 65th birthday party you and Edith gave my mother in your new, neat, and spotless garage. And the 25th wedding anniversary party that you gave Burt and me in your new home.
The times you flew my son Doug back and forth to Gettysburg College. I'll never forget how one day at Marlboro airport you laughingly enticed me into you airplane for my first ever plane ride. And the door next to me even opened in flight!
Burt was so proud of the little golden Corvair you sold him and he enjoyed driving it back and forth to Ft. Monmouth.
We realize from many times spent with your Mom and Dad that the high standards and church commitment that Pastor King mentioned you lived by, came from them.
Thanks again, Jack. We love you. Enjoy the Heavenly rewards you've earned.
Edith T. Nowels
May 14, 2013
(5/11/13) One week ago tonight, and many tears since...lost my forever friend, former husband, father of our children ... Kathy and John. Taxiing down the runway towards the beautiful sunsets (that you and John captured in your paintings) and aloft with the sensation of freedom beyond , ... far surpassing the tense moments studying 'theory', ... anticipating 'under the hood', ... your selfless power of dreams, hard work, and accomplishment ... Jack you were a master of time, love, and living. High into the sky, your confident control of the moment as we unexpectedly hit snow over Colts Neck; flying into Danbury, Connecticut visiting family; breakfasts in Smithville; as you often said, Jack, 'never a need for a psychiatrist once behind the controls', (85 'fox trot'). Tried to find a little comfort behind the lawnmower last night before the rain. Spent several hours this morning admiring 'your kind of lawn' from the front porch glider ... birds, bees and butterflies ... so peaceful with robins, swallows, and wren flying into the cherry blossoms, with only a gentle wind causing the petals to fall, dancing along the driveway. Tiny, yellow beautiful butterflies significantly darting about to the melody of chimes hanging above the porch ... the deafening silence so alive with many thoughts and 'Godwinks'! I actually heard the flutter of the bird's wings as they flew by, and the sound of their feet landing on the leader to the downspout. Yours, and our son, John's, penetrating and loving spirit reflected throughout, and forever. Our favorite hymn, so appropriate, "In The Garden". I'm at peace knowing you and our son, John, are together. Every day, every night, every moment ... for always .... much love! "Eydie"
Anita and John Deegan
May 9, 2013
We will miss you, Uncle Jack, especially your gentle spirit and your ready smile. All the happy times we spent together will remain in our hearts forever and we will always be grateful you were such a special part of our lives. Much love, Snookie and John.
Jack and the Studillac
Paul Lang
May 8, 2013
Anita and Jacks Family, Iam Paul Lang the person who was honered to purchase the Studillac in 1968.After driving it for 2 years it was parked for 39 years.Restored in 2009 I was fortunate enough to meet Anita and Jack at a auto show. The next year they came to the New Hope Auto Show where he saw the car after 45 years and was thrilled that it still being shown at auto shows. A finer Car Guy I will never meet.Rest in peace Jack..Paul
Loretta Woodward
May 8, 2013
Rest in peace, Cousin Jack.
Loretta Woodward
May 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Anita, David, Kathy and families. Jack was always a bright light in my life and in the lives of my daughters, Dawn and Lora. My fondest early memories included going over to Aunt Thelma and Uncle Johnnie's and to visit Jack's pet skunk. Whem we kids, my brother Ray & I would visit Cousin Jack's body shop during the summer and on weekends would rollerskate in front of the bays. My girls also have great memories of living in the little while house in Belford. Jack was a friend as well as family and was a generous and loving man. He is now at peace with the angels in heaven. May the love of family and friends comfort you and God bless you always.
Jan Zingale
May 8, 2013
David, we're so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was quite a man and a good looking one at that! His memory lives on. With love, Jan and Fred
May 7, 2013
Going to miss the car shows at Shop Rite with Uncle Jack and Aunt Anita. Our sympathies to the family at this time of sorrow.
Bruce, Sue, Ryan & Kayla
Aletta Genova
May 7, 2013
Jack was a great friend to me and my husband Dr. Genova.It was an honor to know him
Aletta Genova
H & L Voorhees
May 7, 2013
Dear Anita & Jack's Family,
So sorry for your loss.
He was a great person.
Our deepest sympathy,
Harry & Loretta Voorhees
Linda Lentz
May 7, 2013
Dad..... you are unique in so many ways,... down to the sound of your voice.... We will miss that voice, but you will continue on in our hearts. I thank you for your son, David. Without the joy of him, my life would not have been complete. You are gone from sight, but never forgotten...a promise with love, Linda
Joan Sullivan
May 7, 2013
Rest in peace Jack. God bless, Joan
Ken Dickinson
May 7, 2013
David,
My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family at this time.
mike
May 7, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
May 7, 2013
Grandpa, you are one of the classiest, smartest, most wonderful man I know. I will continue to follow your advice, and hope you will Guide Freddie and Emmeline from above. We love you and miss you.
Dorothy Van Kirk
May 7, 2013
You are in my thoughts and prayers..sorry I can not be with you but you are in my thoughts and prayers..God Bless and find comfort your dad is in a better place and has found peace..love and God Bless especially at this difficult time..Mom oxoxox
David
May 7, 2013
Dad, Love you too...
Edith T.. Nowels
May 7, 2013
Together, many great memories no one can ever take away...in the shop, gardening, plowing snow, motorcycling, flying, photography, car shows, our first house, decorating for Christmas, our niece Beverley Slocum, David's visits, the little red jeep, the Wilsons, Shyne, Marini, Pulero, & Menz, building our new house-Jaycee Floats-'Studillac'-'Hawk Nocturne'-Gyroscope, organizing Middletown's first Chamber of Commerce, parades, judging beauty contests & Christmas House decorations, serving on Tercentenary Parade Commission completely closing down Hwy 35. Our house became a Home as proud and happy parents of Kathy & John. Jack, thank you for your service to our country, our community, not a cruel bone in your body to anyone you ever met. No more tears and suffering Jack. Rest in peace with our son, John Randolph Lentz. Forever in our hearts. For Kathy, our grandchildren and me ... "His Eye is on the Sparrow".
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in John Lentz's name
Memorial Events
for John Lentz
Funeral services provided by:
John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Inc.115 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ 07748
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor John Lentz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
