John P. Basler Jr.

John P. Basler Jr., 78, of Columbus NJ, passed away on Monday October 20, 2025, at Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro, NJ.
Born in Trenton, NJ, John was a long-time resident of the city before moving to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2008. After his wife passed away in 2018, John moved back to Columbus, NJ, to be with family and friends. John was a star athlete in the Trenton School system, and after graduating High School, he joined the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Parris Island, SC, in 1965. John loved driving and most of his career was spent working on the road for Armored Motors, Bohren's, and Pitt Ohio. John retired from trucking in 2008 and worked part time at Legends Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, SC, and later at Cranbury Golf Club in West Windsor, NJ. John's favorite hobbies were bowling (inducted into the Mercer County Bowling Hall of Fame in 1996), golf, and rec softball. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Jay Basler, his wife, Keri, and three grandchildren, Landon, Braeden, and Brinley; his sister, Maryanne Francis, and nephews, Alan and Christopher; his sister, Cynthia Briggman, and nieces, Christina and Samantha; his daughter, Dawn Russell and four grandchildren, Elissa, David, Anja, and Kailani; as well as many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday November 8, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Saul Colonial Home, located at 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.