John Carl Bugay

John Carl Bugay died unexpectedly in Green Township, NJ, on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Newton Memorial Hospital. He was 64 years old. Born on April 27, 1961, in Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late John George and Theresa "Terry" Anna Bugay. He spent his early years in Rahway, NJ, attending Roosevelt Elementary School and Rahway Junior and Senior High School, growing up with his four sisters: Cindy Zaleski and her husband Glenn, Melissa Micciche and her husband Jerry, Patricia "Patty" Tortorello and her husband Anthony "Tony," and his late sister Theresa "Terry" Ann Bugay.

His love for the Pittsburgh Steelers led him to explore engineering universities in the area. He became a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. His lifelong passion for technology and working with his hands was evident throughout his life. While at Carnegie Mellon, he formed deep, lasting friendships with his Theta Xi fraternity brothers, often organizing reunions. It was also there that he met his soulmate, Laura (Frissora) Bugay, a graduate of the School of Fine Arts. They were married at St. John Neumann in Bryn Mawr, PA, and he welcomed into his family his mother-in-law, Kay Miller Frissora; his late father-in-law, Francis Vincent Frissora; and sisters-in-law Julie Frissora and Clare Frissora.

After graduation, John followed in his father's footsteps by joining the family business, PackDevCo, eventually becoming its owner and operator. In 2017, he merged the business with that of his friend and business partner, Luca Rocco, to form VPACK Technologies, based in Sparta, NJ. His career took him around the world, fueling his love of travel and culinary experiences, passions he shared with his beloved children, Theresa "Tess" Bugay and John Francis Bugay. Together, they created cherished memories traveling through Europe, especially Italy and Germany, Wyoming, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean.

John was a deeply caring and generous person. Each year, he attended Estée Lauder's Pink Ribbon Open, a charity fundraiser for breast cancer research held in the Poconos, inspiring his children to make service to others a core value in their lives. He enjoyed working on his 1970 T-Top Stingray Corvette with his son John and attending local car shows. In recent years, he also took great joy in helping his daughter with home remodeling projects at her residence in Baltimore, MD.

His devotion extended beyond family and friends. John was always looking for ways to uplift those around him. He served as a mentor for the Green Township Boy Scouts, coordinating trips and teaching young men the importance of planning, perseverance, and fellowship. He also mentored Newton High School's FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 3142, supporting both his children's involvement and helping guide the team to several international competitions in St. Louis, MO, over more than a decade.

John loved his home, his family, and the bonds he built through service and mentorship in his community.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ. The funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 48 Tranquility Road, County Route 517, Andover, NJ, with Father Michael Szwarc officiating. Burial will be private.

For those desiring donations may be made to:

United Service Organizations

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