John Carman Jr.

1958 - 2025

John Carman Jr.

December 19, 1958 - January 3, 2025

John Leonard Carman Jr. was called home to be with Jesus on January 3, 2025, at the age of 66, surrounded by his loving family after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed on November 11, 2024, John refused to let the advanced cancer define his fate. He fought valiantly until his last breath, embodying his love for life every step of the way.

From a young age, John's mother knew he was destined for greatness. Even at just four years old, he helped his father work on rooftops. As he grew, it became clear that there was nothing John couldn't accomplish. Whether in work or life, his determination and skill were evident in all that he did.

At 18, John married the love of his life, JoAnn, and together they shared 47 years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Cherie and John III, and their bond remained strong throughout his life.

John was a dedicated worker, spending his early years as an auto mechanic before transitioning to construction. He worked for Ferriozzi and Network Construction companies, and worked with too many others to list by name. Many of the iconic casino projects in Atlantic City bear his mark, as he played an integral role in bringing them to life. But his contributions went far beyond his work in the trades.

John's true passion was his family and his service to others. He was a fixture at his grandchildren's sporting events, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on-whether it was baseball, football, or softball. His unwavering support for his family was matched only by his commitment to his community.

John served for many years in public office, beginning with the Egg Harbor Township Republican Club. He was an active member of the Egg Harbor Township zoning and planning boards and later served as a member of the Egg Harbor Township Committee. His public service continued as he became an Atlantic County Freeholder, a position he held until the world no longer appreciated his unique sense of humor. He continued to serve on the Atlantic County Committee and the board for the Egg Harbor Township MUA.

More recently, John was proud to serve as the Treasurer with the American Legion Riders Post 352 in Somers Point, NJ, where he worked alongside fellow patriots and was always willing to help those in need. Riding his motorcycle was one of his greatest passions, and he was known for his generous spirit and sense of humor.

To know John was to love him. His off-key renditions of "Happy Birthday" were a signature at family gatherings, and the never-ending fruitcake-passed from one person to another for decades-was a Christmas morning tradition. John had a unique ability to never take himself too seriously, and his motto was simple: "Don't sweat the small stuff... and it's all small stuff."

John is predeceased by his father, John Carman Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; daughter, Cherie Burgan (Ray); son, John Carman III; mother, Patricia Carman (Frank Orlandini); sister, Susan Carman Diefenbeck; brother, Douglas Carman (Lucie); sister, Jayne Portnoy (Michael); grandchildren, Hazel and Vaughn Burgan; and nephews, John and Jacob Portnoy. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Joyce Guinta (Sam) and Judy Earnest (David Waddington); brother-in-law, Paul Weldon (Angela), and their families, as well as many lifelong friends.

A Visitation will be held at Fresh Start Church at 1049 Ocean Heights Avenue, Egg Harbor Township from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service to immediately follow. Interment will follow at Asbury Cemetery in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Legion Riders Post 352 in Somers Point, NJ, at www.americanlegion352.org.

Adams-Perfect Funeral Homes, Inc.

www.adams-perfect.com