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BORN
1952
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
John Hepner Obituary
AGE: 64 • Vineland
John L. Hepner, 64, of Vineland passed away suddenly on Monday February 6, 2017. John was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on October 29, 1952 to Frances (Wojculewski) Zapar and Leslie Hepner. John attended Bridgeton Schools and entered into the United States Army in January 1971 and was a Spec. 4. He was part of the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1972. While he served in Vietnam, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal Bronze Star and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After returning home from the Army in 1974, John was a resident of Vineland where he owned and operated Eastern Generator Co. since 1977.
John will forever be remembered for his heart of gold, compassion, contagious smile with smiling eyes and dedication to his family, friends and business associates. Whenever someone needed help, they always knew they could count on him. His wife, daughters and grandsons will never forget his unconditional love he gave each and every one. He was passionate about the happiness and health of all of those he came in contact with. He had a love for grilling, going to fabulous restaurants, enjoying the company of others, telling jokes and of course the shop.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents; Helen and his beloved "Pop" Hepner and Helen and Stanley Wojculewski; his brother "Little" John Zapar; and step mother Janet Hepner.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Nancy; his daughters Lauren and fiance Shawn Sweet, Janeen and husband Brian Dunckley; his grandsons Joaquin and Michael; his mother Frances and step father Alexander Zapar that he always referred to as Dad; his father Leslie Hepner; his siblings Michael Zapar, Alexandra Smida and Becky Frantz; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and business associates.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11am at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 South Lincoln Avenue, Vineland with Pastor Chuck Serbeck and Pastor William Clay officiating. Family and friends will be received on Sunday, February 12 from 4pm to 6 p.m. and again on Monday, February 13 from 9am to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. John will be laid to rest at Olivet Cemetery in Elmer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center Development Office. P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486. If you would like to make a donation by phone, please call 800-525-5841.
Nancy, Lauren and Janeen would like to express the importance of getting a colonoscopy for early detection of colon cancer. Our hopes would be that this would touch someone to make an appointment to get a screening. If by doing this, it saves one person's life, it would be a blessing. John has told numerous people to please get checked. Do it for him! Memories, thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family by visiting dlfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hepner
Sponsored by Demarco-Luisi Funeral Home.
Doreen McGlocklin
February 21, 2017
I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I have been talking to him for years. I work at WAI and have been talking to him for about 16 years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless
Deb Finnie-Mathews
February 19, 2017
Nancy and family,
So sorry for your loss. I just happened to look at Vineland news and saw this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Irvin & Rosemarie Valentine, PhD, PsyD
February 17, 2017
Nancy, family-loved ones and friend of the family. Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of that significant -part of you and in your lives. We understand that at this time of grieving this great loss, that your spirit also mourns. God's grace is sufficient moment by moment, and each family member and loved one -will lean on God for healing in the days to come. Know too, that God's power brings each of us to birth-for those who have passed on-will still live in God's presence. Our lives may change but, they do not end and our loved ones will still live on within us, and in everything we carry out to do in our lives-with continuous great purpose and significant meaning. We also know, that losing your life-partner throughout life, the father of your children and being that special person to many-is also a most painful and difficult experience for a loved one to endure-we have all lived with many losses in our lives. May you Nancy and loved ones always be reminded, that God's love and comfort during these challenging and difficult times-will bring each that sustenance and comfort-God's love will embrace each and shelter all from these storms of life. Take refuge in his amazing love, in all your thoughts to calm your fearful hearts; for God promises to heal each broken heart and to bind up the wounds. We pray in hope Nancy for you, your children and loved ones-relatives and friends. We do not understand God's timing during moments such as these, but we can trust that God is good, may each at this time of healing be granted peace, hope, and light in each heart-along with that spiritual light within to guide each with strength-will-power and continuous faith to continue this journey of life. May his grace fill your minds with those good memories, treasured times with the one you love, and may his light serve to guide each during all confusions in life. We know that God is the master healer, and he will continue to look out for each -guiding our every step. Facing and embracing this pain of loss-will bring that light at the end of the tunnel, this light does continue to shine Nancy, and through this once so felt darkness, this light will once again shine-bringing peace, feeling life again in a new form and with new opportunities of personal growth. Your loved one has returned home, you will meet with him in Heaven one day, and until then, God our Creator will hold him dearly, welcome and embrace him-for his mission on Earth has been well completed, he has loved well, he has seen those seeds of good deeds and love come to fruit-shared with those he loved best, exchanged that love, and shared moments-quality time with him. May you find strength, courage and understanding to bring peace and healing during this loss of your loved one. I also have those fond memories of his laughter and smile, also both of you enjoying life together, those of school events and others. He will continue to be your light, that smile upon your heart, and that gentle breeze that will be felt from time to time; as well as those thoughts and words that will always continue to inspire and breathe within spirit. From a friend, who has known you for many years, taught in the same Mennie's School Building, knows your heart and spirit-one that friend that will continue- to keep you in thoughts and prayers. May these days ahead be guided by his loving grace & spirit. John is safely in the palms of our "creators hands" -until one day you reunite with him again.
Joseph and Ronnie-Jean Landicini
February 15, 2017
Al,Fran,Nancy and family.So sorry to here of Johns passing.We saw him at the shop 6 months ago and he was in good spirits despite his illness.Our deepist sympathy .He will always be in our prayers.
DEBBY MAZZOCHI
February 13, 2017
Nancy my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. John was such a good man and you could see the love he had for you and the girls. He will be sadly missed by all.
Heidi Diemand (Zimmerman)
February 12, 2017
I'm so sorry for this loss. Lord known that little things change everything, but this is more than little. My heart and prayers go out to the rest of the family and all who lost John. May this be a growing experience and true celebration of life going forward.
Dolores Simmons
February 11, 2017
Nancy.....You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Alex Guzman
February 11, 2017
Didn't know John very well, but he struck me as being a nice guy. He did a good job helping me out with my car.
Craig & Donna Franks
February 11, 2017
Sorry for your loss
February 10, 2017
Sorry for your lose. Our prayers are with all of you.
Ted and Sally Appleby
Dennis & Deb Ferrarie
February 10, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to you Nancy and Lauren and Janeen and family. This a loss that everyone who knew John will have a deepened sorrow in there heart . FOR John my we have a smile on our face when we mention your name ! Forever in our hearts
Carmen Ruiz-Mesa and Family
February 10, 2017
Dear Nancy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing . May your memories of happier days help you through this very difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
February 10, 2017
our deepest sympathy will keep all of you in my prays
The lenzsch's
Kathy Brittingham
February 9, 2017
Nancy, Lauren and Janeen, so very sorry to hear the news of Johns passing. "BUD" man will always be remembered at the Maplewood. He always had a smile and kind words for everyone. Always joking and so happy, hard to believe he was so sick. We will all miss him. May the love of family and friends help you get through this time of grief and sorrow. R.I.P. John !!
Carl Schuster
February 9, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Hepner / Zapar families. May God's grace enfold you in peace and comfort in your time of grief.
Dave Vai
February 9, 2017
John was what we Good People! Always there and willing to help. John, we know your in a better place. RIP. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Ray/Grace
February 9, 2017
So very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was the greatest! To Fran and Al, we are truly sorry. Will pray for him. Sincerely, Ray Matos and family
Ann Sallustro
February 9, 2017
Sandi Scalese
February 9, 2017
Nancy and Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed waiting on you and your husband when I worked at the Maplewood. May GOD grant you the peace which surpasses all understanding.
Sandi Scalese
February 8, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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