John William Anlage

Born in Haddon Township, New Jersey, John lived a vibrant life before retiring to Daphne, Alabama.

John leaves behind his cherished wife, Antoinette Anlage; his son, Derek Anlage (Deanna); his daughter, Caryn Milner (Steven); his sister, MaryBeth Anlage (Jones); his brother, Bruce Anlage (Diane); and four adored grandchildren.

On March 7, 2025, John passed away peacefully at home in Daphne, surrounded by loved ones. He bravely faced Alzheimer's in his final days, but his decline was mercifully brief, a small grace in his courageous battle.

A 1967 graduate of Haddon Township High School, John went on to attend LSU and proudly served in the Navy. His career took him to United Fabrics in Pennsauken, NJ, where he thrived as CFO for over 42 years. Through his work, school, and boundless sociability, John forged countless connections. Among them was a treasured, lifelong friendship with Tommy "Wild Man Lynch" from FedEx, his partner-in-crime whose bond endured to the end. John's passions were as big as his personality.

A diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, he held season tickets and reveled in tailgating, cheering his team to the Super Bowl. His love extended to the Flyers and NASCAR, teams and races he followed with unwavering enthusiasm.

In Mobile, Alabama, John joined the Mobile Mystics Mardi Gras organization, delighting in their antics for over 25 years. Closer to home, he was a proud member of the Eastern Shore Sportsman Association in Daphne, where he shared crawfish boils, pool games, beers, and Orange Beach adventures with his brothers. John's zest for life shone in his athletic legacy too.

A standout in the Mid Atlantic Ball Hockey Group, he refereed games across Canada and the U.S., earning induction into their Hall of Fame in 2018. Alongside his best friend, Terry Richards, he lived for the thrill of the game and the camaraderie it brought.

Above all, John's heart belonged to Antoinette. They met 20 years ago at a Haddon Township pub, among friends who became family. What began as friendship blossomed when Antoinette asked him out one fateful night, sparking a love story for the ages. Together, they filled their days with travel, concerts, beach trips, and game-watching at their favorite haunts-always a spot with a bar and a TV.

John's devotion to his children, Derek and Caryn, and his grandchildren was boundless, a joy beyond measure.

He was the life of every party, but his truest legacy lies in the friendships he nurtured. Whether he was bringing cheesesteaks to his people down south, or Conecuh sausages to his friends in New Jersey, he loved to make people happy. To John, friends were everything.

A "Celebration of Life" will honor John on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Waterfront, 1 Yacht Drive, Daphne, AL 36526. A second celebration is planned for the spring in his hometown of Westmont, NJ, details to follow.