John Andrew McAvoy

John Andrew McAvoy, a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away suddenly on December 28, 2025, at the age of 66.
Born on December 1, 1959, John grew up in Jersey City before later settling in Barnegat, New Jersey. He began his career as a trading clerk on the Commodities Exchange, before finding his true calling as a self-described Bartender Extraordinaire. John spent many happy years "behind the stick" at Monaghan's in the Heights of Jersey City and at the Tropical Pub in Belmar. Whether crafting drinks, sharing stories, or even manning a hot dog cart, John had a natural gift for making people feel welcome and brightening everyday moments.
John is survived by his loving daughter, Emily Grace McAvoy and her mother, Jennifer Goceljak; his siblings, Karen McBride, Timothy McAvoy, and Michelle Brauman; his in-laws, Robert Brauman and Kathleen McAvoy; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Melanie McBride, Brian McAvoy, Mary McAvoy, Robert Brauman, and Noah Brauman. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Lorraine (Noger) McAvoy, and his brother-in-law, James McBride.
Deeply proud of his Irish heritage, John was an active member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he built lasting friendships and celebrated his roots. He also enjoyed long walks with his faithful dog, Rosco, and cooking meals that were always far too spicy for most-but always made with love.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Home, 374 Danforth Avenue, Jersey City, NJ. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 252 9th Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 West Side Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306.