John Anthony Rotante

On June 14, 2023, Flag Day, John A. Rotante passed away at the age of 81. John was born on December 30, 1941 and spent his youth in Brooklyn, New York. He raised his family in Wyckoff, NJ with his beloved wife Anna. After her passing, he was lucky enough to find true love a second time and with his new wife Hilda and they moved to Haymarket, VA. He moved in June of 2022 to Schwenksville, PA where his positive impact was immediately felt by his new neighbors. He received his bachelor's degree from City College of New York where he was a member of the Pershiing Rifles drill team military fraternity. In the United States Marine Corps, John served proudly in the VMA-131 and was honorably discharged in 1969 as a Sergeant after six years of service. He was active in the Knights of Columbus ultimately serving as Grand Knight of the Pope John XXIII Council #5498 in Midland Park. After a successful business career he enjoyed his retirement jobs as a golf starter, tax return professional for H&R Block and dealing cards at casino fundraising events.
John was predeceased by his first wife Anna C. Rotante and his parents Salvatore and Jean Rotante. John is survived by his wife, Hilda Rotante, his children and their wives; James, Robert and Christina, John and Amy Jo, Daniel and Justine, Brian and Kortnee, Shawn and Taylor. John is also survived by his grandchildren: Gavin, Kyle, Ethan, Lauren, Dominic, Mason, Leo, Owen, Matthew, Greyson, and Evalynn, his sister, Joanne Logan and her husband John, his brother Sal and his wife Lisa, along with his many cousins, godchildren, nieces and nephews.
John was a devoted husband, dedicated father and loyal friend. Nothing brought more joy to John than to talk about his family. He was proud of their accomplishments and enjoyed celebrating their success. John learned from his parents the importance of family and made sure he passed that on to his children at an early age. His favorite day of the year was the day after Thanksgiving, where he would gather his entire family together at his house and celebrate family and life. Showing strength after he lost his wife at a young age, he not only raised five sons, he created a strong family bond. He instilled his strong belief in family, with not just his immediate family but also his extended family.
One can not describe John without mentioning his love of people. John never met a stranger because once you met him, you immediately became a friend. He would be happy to share a story or a laugh. Every person who met him immediately formed a bond and enjoyed his company. John showed his love of family and life by his actions. If anyone ever needed anything, John was the first to volunteer, always putting the needs of others ahead of his own right up to his last day.
John had a love for the New York Jets and on fall Sundays would be found tailgating and watching his beloved team with friends and family. At a party or big event, it would be common to see John playing the piano and entertaining the room.
Anyone who knew John will feel his loss. His greatest wish is that his family and those he loved will embrace each other, keep their strong family bond and spread the kindness and caring John had for all. His love of life, family and friends will be greatly missed.
The family will receive family and friends on Friday June 23,2023,from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 South Farview Ave. Paramus,NJ. 07652. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday June 24,2023 at 10AM at Annunciation R. C. Church, 50 W. Midland Ave. Paramus,NJ.Interment to follow at Christ the King Cemetery,Franklin Lakes,NJ
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Fisher House Foundation which support military and veteran families in their time of need.