John M. Fantell

John M. Fantell, 88, of Wall, New Jersey, formerly of West Orange, NJ, entered eternal rest on November 28, 2022 at home. Born April 9,1934, John is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Fantell, his parents, Michael and Carmella Fantell of West Orange, NJ, his sister Dolores Linnett of Colts Neck, NJ and his grandson Joseph M. Fantell of Midlothian, VA.
John served in the U.S. Army, from 1954 to 1956, and was stationed in Germany, where he once achieved the highest company score on the M1 rifle, and later attained the rank of Corporal. John and "Lainie" as he called his wife were wed in 1959. John put himself through college and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in Industrial Engineering in 1960. A first generation American of Italian descent, he was the first Fantell in history to get a college degree. He also did his graduate studies at Stevens Institute of Technology. He spent most of his career at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals until his retirement in 1994.
He was always a teacher and a mentor, both at work and at home. John measured much of his professional achievement by the success of those he managed, he was as proud of their accomplishments as he was his own.
John was a devoted husband and father. He valued family above all else. He was free with a hug, a kiss and an "I love you" to all of his family. He exemplified honesty and integrity in all he did. He loved the sun, and traveling with Lainie, and friends. They especially enjoyed the many family trips to Longboat Key and Disney World.
John was always an athlete and enjoyed competing in, and excelled at, many sports throughout his life. He was particularly proud of his years playing basketball. John enjoyed playing golf (especially after he shot a hole-in-one in 2016 at the age of 82) and bowling with his friends in his later years. John and Elaine made a great team on the bocce court as well for a time.
John will be greatly missed by many. As "Dad" by his cherished daughter Dana Fantell of Caldwell, NJ, and his two sons, Jon J. Fantell (Barbara) of San Antonio, TX, and Jeffrey M. Fantell (Theresa) of Midlothian, VA; As "G-Pop" by his grandchildren, John, Gabriella and Gianna Fantell, and their mother Janelle Fantell of Colonia, NJ; and as "Pop-Pop" by his grandchildren, William, Thomas, and Benjamin Fantell of Midlothian, VA. He will also be missed by his grandcat Mezzie, and grandpup "Rug".
Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. Interment will be 11:00 am Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, act.alz.org. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net