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BORN
1935
DIED
2026
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John DeRitis Obituary
February 15, 1935 - January 26, 2026
John M. DeRitis, Sr., 90, of Absecon, passed away January 26, 2026, and was reunited with his beloved wife of 64 years Rosalie (nee Paparone); his parents, Alfonse and Rose; brothers, Nicholas and Thomas; sister, Mary Cesario; and nephew, Al. A resident of Absecon for the past 62 years, he was born and raised in Atlantic City, graduated from Atlantic City Vocational School and was a U.S. Army veteran. He retired from Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. after 30-plus years, served as Grand Knight and Past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus, VP, and President of the Absecon Kiwanis Club (and regional Lt. Governor), was elected to multiple terms and served as President twice on Absecon City Council, and a founding member and usher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school activities and sporting events, fishing and crabbing, relaxing poolside and yard games on the front lawn, but will always be remembered for his jovial personality, dancing and ability to fix anything!
John was the loving father of Susan (late Norman) Hanratty and John Jr. (Sandra); proud grandfather of Kristin Radcliff (Jake), Ryan Hanratty and Katie DeRitis; and adoring great-grandfather of Mick and Ellie Radcliff. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Walter (late Charlotte) Krouse; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 9 am to 11:45 am on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 591 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 pm. Mausoleum service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus Villa Marie Council #6342, P.O. Box 971, Absecon, NJ 08201, Attn: Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be placed at www.parselsfh.com.
Parsels Funeral Home
Absecon
Memories and Condolences
for John DeRitis
Sponsored by Parsels Funeral Home.
Wayne Riffle
February 4, 2026
Very sorry to hear this...A very good man with a kind heart.
Karen and Guy Foss
February 4, 2026
John will be missed greatly on Seaside Ave! He always had a moment to stop and chat. My sincere condolences to the family.
Vince
February 3, 2026
Worked with John many years ago. One of the most patient people I ever met. Please accept my sincere condolences
Grace and Paul
February 2, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with you. John will be missed by many of us from church
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Cathy
February 1, 2026
Mr John as i called him was a kind and caring man. I enjoyed working the polls with him and his wife
Kathy Fenwick
January 31, 2026
John and Susan, I am so sorry to read of your Dad´s passing. He was a great neighbor and friend. He will be missed by many. Love Mrs Fenwick
KAREN GOODMAN STINSON
January 31, 2026
sorry for your lost knew him a long time i worked at new jersey tob com in pleasantville
Kathleen Doles
January 31, 2026
Dear Susan, John and Family,
So sorry for your loss. When we first moved here (almost 40 years ago) your parents were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. A few years later, when my youngest daughter was sick, they happily took our older daughter into their home, allowing us to stay at the hospital. I will never forget their caring & kindness, your mother´s cooking, your father´s humor...and their amazing Christmas light displays!
Keeping you in my prayers.
Jerre Pierce
January 31, 2026
I worked with Mr D at the elections He was always so kind and friendly and kept us laughing My thoughts and prayers are with the family
Dean scarpa
January 31, 2026
I remember John very well. My mother was an owner of Starkman Cigar company. John use to come to the office often. As a kid I remember how nice he was and my mother thought he was a great guy. Deepest sympathy to all of the family. Dean Scarpa
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