John G. Sansevere

John G. Sansevere, 95, passed away peacefully on Monday May 12, 2025, at Serenity Hospice in Hamilton, NJ. John was born on December 12,1929 in Jersey City, NJ. A fifty-year resident of Woodcliff Lake, NJ where he raised his family, John lived his life grounded in his faith, family, service to others and hard work.
A graduate of Dickinson High School in Jersey City, John went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and his MBA in finance from New York University.
John had an illustrious career in the book publishing business holding Vice President of Finance positions at Dell Publishing, Pocket Books, and Simon & Schuster. He became President and board director of Penguin Books USA and served as a board member of Penguin Books Worldwide.
John was a world traveler and an entrepreneur. He formed several book imprints and was the founder of a point-of-sale marketing company to the publishing industry. With his financial background, he was also a tax adviser for companies, friends and family.
As a devout Catholic, no matter where he was in the world he found the local Catholic church to attend mass. He will never forget receiving communion at the Vatican from Pope John Paul II.
At 14, John worked as a soda clerk at Sol's ice cream parlor in Jersey City where he met his wife, Ann Perrulli. (This could explain his love for ice cream and sweets) They married in 1950. Together John and Ann opened their home and shared their good fortune with those who needed care. John took many under his wing giving friends and family jobs, encouragement, healing care or whatever was needed. John served on the board of many church and community organizations. He always loved a good party and was on the committee of his church picnics, and events.
John and Ann raised two children. He is survived by his children: Diane Dreher (Richard Dreher), and John R. Sansevere (Erica Farber). He is loved by his grandchildren: Ryan Dreher (Lana), Richard Dreher (Natasha), Christopher Dreher (Katherine), Dylan Dreher (Melissa), Desmond Sansevere (Sonya), Shaw Sansevere and Niko Sansevere; and by his great grandchildren: Sid, Sebastian, Luke, Jacob, and Eileen.
He is also survived by his siblings, Joanne Goehrig and Paul Sansevere. He is predeceased by his wife Ann, his parents, Mary and Michael Sansevere, his brothers, Samuel and Michael and sisters Nettie and Marie. He is cherished by a large extended family, including sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
John's legacy of kindness, generosity, and love of life lives on in the many lives he touched. His nickname among many was "Johnny Donuts" and "The Candy Man" because wherever he worked or whatever he did, he always brought donuts for everyone to enjoy and handed out candy from his pockets.
A private funeral mass and celebration of John's life will be held in June.
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