John Thomas Baty III

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON – John Thomas Baty III, a proud son of North Bergen, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a man whose unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

John is survived by the love of his life, his wife Sherry Baty; his son Joshua Baty and daughter-in-law Liza Baty; his daughter Shana Baty; his brother Richard Baty and his wife, Eileen Baty; his sister Valerie Baty-Terlizzi and her husband, John Terlizzi; his sister-in-law Marion Baty, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

His greatest treasures were his grandchildren, Aiden and Eva, who were truly the lights of his life. He delighted in hearing about everything they were doing – school, performances, scouting events, and accomplishments – and spoke about them with unmistakable affection. Conversations about Aiden and Eva brightened his entire day.

Raised in North Bergen, NJ, John was the son of John T. "Jack" Baty II and Anne Baty. Growing up alongside his brother and sister, he developed the qualities that would later lead friends to describe him as a Hudson County "good guy" – strong, loyal, warm, quick with a joke, and someone who always looked out for the people around him.

John attended North Bergen High School, where he achieved legend status on the football field and baseball diamond, and developed a lifelong love of sports. He later served his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman stationed in Panama, an experience he carried with pride throughout his life.

In 1976, John moved to the Township of Washington in Bergen County, where he and his wife Sherry bought their home and raised their family. The town quickly became the center of his world. John was deeply involved in the community, especially through the youth sports and Scouting programs his children participated in. He coached, mentored, cheered from the sidelines, and was always ready to lend a hand wherever help was needed. For many kids growing up in Township, "Mr. Baty" was not just someone who showed up – he was a trusted coach who encouraged them, empowered them, and made the experience fun.

John had a genuine appreciation for life's simple pleasures: backyard barbecues with family and friends, sitting by the pool on a warm summer day, and spending time outdoors – especially fishing – with his son, daughter, or grandchildren. Though never much of a swimmer, he could happily spend hours floating in the water, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the moment. But nothing made him happier than hearing his family sing – his son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and his grandchildren are all talented vocalists.

John also loved fireworks, road trips in search of the best ice cream, and cheering for his beloved New York Giants and New York Mets. He would gladly root for the New York Yankees alongside his son – as long as they weren't playing the Mets.

More than anything else, John will be remembered as a good man – a sincerely good human being – whose humor, generosity, and loyalty touched countless lives.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 11th, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating John's life at St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church, 120 Washington Avenue, Westwood, at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Road, Township of Washington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John Baty's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Those who wish to honor John's memory might do so the way he would have appreciated most: gather with family, share stories, enjoy something sweet, and never pass up the chance to watch fireworks on a warm summer night – or by flipping off someone wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey.