John L. Linnington III

LINNINGTON, John L., III, - of Cape May, died 2 weeks shy of his 65th birthday surrounded by his family and loved ones. He is survived by his devoted mother Rita, loving wife Shawne, brothers Michael, David, James, and Carl (their spouses and partners), children John Patrick, Christa (Eli), and Rebecca, their mother Marianne (Linnington), many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and his companion Susan Cammarano; all of whom he loved and admired him greatly. He is preceded in death by his father John Jr. (Jack), and brother Paul (Mary Ann) Linnington. Raised in Villas, New Jersey, John attended St Raymond's School graduating with honors (and perfect attendance) and served as an altar boy. He attended both Wildwood Catholic High School, and Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA), graduating again with honors, and attaining the rank of Cadet Captain (A Company Commander). After High School, John attended Stockton State College (Bachelor of Science in Marketing), and Rutgers University where he attained his Real Estate License. His more-than-40-year successful career included working in the Real Estate, Insurance, and Title Insurance industry â€" culminating in his role as President of The Title Company of Jersey. John served and led Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce ("Citizen of the Year, 2000"), and several other philanthropic ventures. He coached youth basketball teams (and camp), ran the youth kitchen, and participated in other youth programs. In addition to John's professional and altruistic success, he succeeded in several other ventures (especially restaurants), where he was an exceptional self-taught cook, chef, and catering legend. All those who were fortunate to have met John were touched by his genuine warmth, humility, compassion, and care for others. There was not a person or organization in need that John did not help: he was a servant leader who had the ability to make any person feel like they were the center of his attention. He was a tremendous athlete (football, baseball, basketball); an avid Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers fan; and the life of any gathering of which he was a part. He loved fishing and was proud of the 13-foot, nearly 600 lb Blue Marlin he caught August 15th, 1986 -- which adorns the biggest wall in his home in Rio Grande, NJ, and was replicated in a gold chain he wore around his neck for 35 years! "Fish on!!" Linnington Family reunions (they were indeed large) always featured John in the place he was most comfortable: manning the grill, wearing one of his numerous colorful bandanas and jabbing his finger on the steaks to see if they were done. We know the heavens are proclaiming "Well Done" to this exemplary man, father, brother, husband, and friend. From him, we understand strength of character is intertwined with a gentleness of heart: "There is nothing as strong as gentleness; nothing as gentle as real strength." Be thou at peace. Relatives and friends will be received on Thursday (Aug. 11th) from 9am until 11am in the First Assembly of God Church, 1068 Seashore Road, Cape May where John's funeral ceremony will follow and begin at 11am. Interment will be private and at a later date. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of John L. Linnington III, an organization to which John was profoundly committed. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com