John R Kukucka Jr.

John R. Kukucka, age 70, of Wall Township, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Ocean University Medical Center with his wife, Deidre, by his side. John was born on March 26, 1955, in North Plainfield, NJ to the late Frances and John Kukucka. Growing up in Morris Plains, NJ, he attended Whippany Park High School where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. A Bucknell University graduate, Dr. Kukucka completed his dental studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed his specialty training in periodontics at The Ohio State University. He was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honorary society and was the head of periodontics at Jersey Shore Medical center, where he was named Attending of the Year three times. He was active in state and county dental associations and was a past president of the New Jersey Society of Periodontists and the Monmouth Ocean County Dental Society. If you didn't see John at his office in either Manasquan or Barnegat, you could find him at Sea Watch Beach in Manasquan surrounded by friends and family every summer weekend or skiing on a winter weekend up north or out west.

John was a devoted husband, father, and Pop Pop. He will always be remembered as the fun prankster who could bring a smile or laugh to any event. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Deidre Kukucka; his children, Jillian Kukucka of Bryn Mawr, PA, Allison and David Deola of Churchville, PA, and Timothy and Lethabo Kukucka of Jersey City, NJ; and his 5 grandsons Wolf, Duke, Dash, Dirk, and Mazen who provided many laughs and joy in his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert, Richard, and Carol Kukucka, and his many nieces and nephews. John will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday March 26, 2026, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals. 2643 Old Bridge Road Manasquan New Jersey 08736. A service will be held at 10am on Friday March 27, 2026, at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church. 90 Union Ave, Manasquan NJ 08736. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center's Dental Education Fund ("JSUMCF Dental Education Fund"). Checks may be sent to the Jersey Shore University Center Foundation, 343 Thornall St., Floor 7, Edison, NJ 08737 with "In Memory of Dr. John Kukucka" noted in the memo line, or donations can be made online at "givehmh.org/jerseyshore . Please select "Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift" and include his name for the "In Memory of"" section. To send condolences to the family please go to www.orenderfamilyhome.net.