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John Mortensen Obituary
Little Silver
John Mortensen passed away peacefully on April 20, 2016. He was born May 13, 1938 in the Bronx, New York to John Mortensen and Sylvia Brendel (Damora). He resided in Little Silver for 46 years. John was a great man, loved by all. He knew how to enjoy life and follow his passions. John was an inventor, a thinker, a contrarian and an eternal student with insatiable curiosity. He was a true storyteller, captivating a crowd with tales of the famous pilots he had met, his adventures at home and around the world and hilarious accounts of embarrassing moments.
After Roselle Park High School (RPHS), John put himself through school with scholarships and fellowships, graduating from Philadelphia University, Institute of Textile Technology at University of Virginia and Princeton University. He achieved two masters degrees, one in textile engineering and another in mechanical engineering. He began his career at Johnson & Johnson and retired from C.M. Offray as head of the Specialty Narrow Fabrics division. Throughout his career, John created and had 30 patents. He was a former Councilman in Little Silver (1975-1977), a member of the Bicentennial Committee, a licensed pilot and a member of Monmouth County Flying Club, a leader of the Irate Shore Commuters, awarded an honorary lifetime membership in Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and a member of the Root Beer and Checker Club. He was a classic car enthusiast and restored his 1970 classic Corvette. He was proud to excel as a wrestler at RPHS and continued to enjoy getting together with his high school classmates through the years, running his 50th high school reunion. John was predeceased by his father John and his brother Richard.
He is survived by his beloved wife Darlene, his mother Silvia, his daughters Heidi of Brooklyn, NY and Holly of Morristown, NJ. He is also survived by his sisters Joan Dietrich and Gretchen Mann, and his many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday April 30, 2016 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701 (732-747-0332). The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. The burial will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mountville United Methodist Church, 303 Mountville Drive, Lebanon, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Pulmonary Hypertension Association https://phassociation.org/Donate, phone: 301-565-3004. Please visit John's memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Mortensen
Sponsored by John E. Day Funeral Home - Red Bank.
Barbara Germinario
April 18, 2024
I still think of John and keep him in my prayers each night. He was a lot of fun. I have kept in touch with his wife Darlene and get to see her often. Rest in peace. Barbara G.
Barbara Germinario
April 20, 2022
I still think of you very often and miss the fun we used to have together planning class activities. You will always be missed.
Barbara Germinario
April 18, 2021
It seems like yesterday that you left us. In that time, Bill has joined you in Heaven. I hope you boys are having a good time together ! Much Love, Barb
Fred Kagel
April 27, 2016
On behalf of the Brookdale Computer Users Group, I would like to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of John. John frequently attended our Excel Workshops. I would always ask John if we were going over his head. He was always gracious in letting us sail on, and in turn, I am sure he learned a thing or two. Somehow with his background, however, I don't think we were going over his head.
Please extend our condolences to his family.
Fred Kagel
Diane Canepa
April 25, 2016
Dear Darlene, Silva, Heidi and Holly,
I'm so glad I got to know your Dad and your family. I'll never forget going on an adventure last summer to Home Depot with your Dad, I'm not sure what he enjoyed more touring me around town or how I got the top soil into his car. Your Dad loved a good story and adventure, I hope those memories help you during this difficult time.
Love to you all, Diane
Beth Janis
April 24, 2016
John, Bid will be so glad to see you. You and Roy ... together again. All My Love, Beth
Peter and me
Diane Selzam Anderson
April 24, 2016
John, there are so many memories it's hard to pick just one.
One that stands out is when we were in high school, I was dating Martin, and you and he and Cliff were trying to get an ancient car running in Winfield in front of your house. Janeth and I came over and saw that as you didn't have a jack, you all simply turned the car on its side to work on the underside of it. You repaired something and used Joan's hairdryer to finish off the job and she was rather put out as I believe you had ruined the dryer. You were laughing about it at school the next day.
Then there's the confrontation in the cafeteria with me and Janeth the first day of high school.
I won't go into that, but the result is that Janeth and I had a hard time removing lemon meringue pie from our clothes.
And of course you were our oldest child's, Peter's, Godfather.
Time and distance separated us, but you have always remained in a special place in Martin's and my hearts.
Peace my friend, Peace.
Barbara Germinario
April 24, 2016
John, we miss you already. You left us much too soon. Until we meet again,
Love & Hugs,
Barbara & Bill
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Memorial Events
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Apr
30
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
John E. Day Funeral Home - Red Bank85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Apr
30
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John E. Day Funeral Home - Red Bank85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
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