John A. Bickel Jr.

John "Jack" Anthony Bickel, Jr., age 78, passed away on December 31, 2025, at Brandywine Assisted Living in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Jack was born on November 19, 1947, in Washington, D.C., to John (Tony) and Doris Bickel. He was raised in Arlington, Virginia, where he spent his childhood and developed the curiosity, discipline, and adventurous spirit that would define his life.

After graduating from high school, Jack attended Virginia Tech University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. Following his studies, he completed Officer Training School and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as an officer in the Navy Seabees (Naval Construction Battalions), the Navy's elite engineering and construction force. During his service, Jack was stationed in Palau, a remote island territory in the Pacific Ocean, where he was entrusted with leading a division of twelve engineers. He served his country with distinction for five years, demonstrating strong leadership, technical skill, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Upon returning home, Jack continued his education at Penn State University, where he earned a master's degree in civil traffic engineering. While at Penn State, he was an active participant in the club-level rugby program - a sport that became one of his lifelong passions and reflected his competitive nature, resilience, and love for teamwork.

Jack's professional career was as varied as it was accomplished. He first worked as an engineer in Massachusetts before relocating to Pennsylvania, where he transitioned into a marketing role with Reader's Digest. Ultimately, Jack found his professional home in technical sales with Weiss-Aug, a manufacturing firm, where he worked for more than 30 years until his retirement. His ability to bridge technical knowledge with communication made him highly respected by colleagues and clients alike.

For the past 40 years, Jack was a proud resident of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, where he and his wife raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community.

Jack lived life with an extraordinary sense of adventure. While rugby had been his first love, his athletic pursuits expanded far beyond the ordinary. He embraced skiing, scuba diving, tandem skydiving, whitewater rafting, spelunking, dirt bike riding, and any challenge that promised excitement and discovery. Even so, he could occasionally be found enjoying a friendly game of badminton or tennis. Though he enjoyed watching sports, it was participation that brought him the greatest joy.

At the core of Jack's life were two guiding pillars: faith and family. His faith journey led him to become an active member of the People of Hope community, a Catholic covenant community in New Jersey, where he formed deep spiritual friendships and met the love of his life, Clara. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, service, and devotion. Jack was also a devoted parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Stirling, where the family regularly attended Mass. His devotion to his faith was highlighted by his practice of being a daily communicant, attending Mass each day regardless of where his travels may have taken him. Faith was not simply a part of Jack's life - it was the foundation upon which he lived.

Jack was predeceased by his father, Tony Bickel, and by his infant daughter, Teresa Bickel.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Clara Bickel; his son, John Anthony Bickel III, and his wife, Katie; and his daughter, Maria Bickel. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jack and Charlie, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Jack is further survived by his mother, Doris Rowzie, and her husband, Bud; his siblings, Teresa Bickel, Craig Bickel and his wife Judy, Russell Rowzie and his wife Stephanie, and David Rowzie and his wife Ray; along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

All will miss his lighthearted nature, sense of humor, and tremendous kindness.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey 07069. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Stirling. Cremation services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the VFW at Donate to the VFW or the Alzheimer's Association at Donate