John T. "Jack" Ness

John T. “Jack” Ness, 98 of Surf City, NJ, formerly of Kearny passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Jack at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny on Tuesday January 19 from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Wednesday at 12 noon. Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny.

Born in Newark, Jack was a longtime Kearny resident before moving to Surf City in 1990. Upon hearing the news of Pearl Harbor, Jack enlisted in the armed forces and honorably served his country in the Coast Guard during World War II. Fiercely civic minded and deeply devoted to his hometown of Kearny, Jack served as the head of the Zoning Board, Planning Board, and also campaigned for mayor in the 1960s. He could always be found at town hall meetings, ensuring his fellow citizens received only the best from their local government. Jack had a successful career as the purchasing agent for Diamond Shamrock Chemical Company, retiring in 1981. Jack most treasured time spent with his lovely wife on the beach in Surf City.

Jack was the beloved husband of the late Gloria (nee Prior) Ness; loving father of Deborah Rose and Barbara Ness-Mathis and her husband Tony. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Keith Rose and by his grand-daughter Heather Rose.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Popcorn Park Zoo, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731.

Posted on January 14, 2021 .