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Obituary for John D. Pflug Sr.
John Douglas Pflug, Sr, of West Orange, NJ passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, with family by his side as he transitioned to his heavenly reward. Husband, Son, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend, John was a Good Man, the Best of the Best, full of compassion and love.
John was born December 28, 1930, in Orange, NJ to Elizabeth and George Pflug. One of seven children, he graduated from Orange High School and went on to work at a local supermarket in Montclair, where he met the love of his life, Ann Napolitano. After a 2 year, courtship, they were married on April 22, 1951, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Montclair, NJ.
John was soon drafted and inducted into the United States Army, in Feb. 1952. He was commissioned to Fort Sam Houston in Austin, Texas, where he attended training for four months. Later that year, he was deployed to Korea where he served for over a year, achieving numerous commendations, and served as a medic and dental prosthetic technician. While in Korea, John Jr. was born, and it wasn’t until six months later when he met his son for the first time. Upon being honorably discharged in Feb. 1954, at the rank of Corporal, John and Ann moved to West Orange, NJ where their family grew, welcoming their two daughters, Kathleen and Sharon.
John began a career with the Bell Telephone company in 1955. Starting as a lineman, he progressed through the organization to oversee Installation in various offices in New Jersey. After 32 years, he retired in 1987, to start his new career as a “househusband”, where he refined his culinary skills, while Ann continued to work at West Orange Degnan House, for several more years.
His favorite pastime and passion was playing golf. He started playing at a young age with his brothers, and in his later years especially enjoyed playing with Ann, or Mom, as he called her, his children and grandson. And when a pro tournament was in town, he and Ann would strategically secure a spot by a green for hours, to watch the players throughout the day. His other passion was the NY Yankees. From Spring Training to seasons’ end, he would not miss a pitch with Ann at his side. He especially loved attending games at the stadium, taking in the excitement, and sampling every cuisine available...a true fan!
John was a craftsman, which was exemplified by his handcrafted Christmas ornaments which were lovingly made and given to family and friends for over 40 years. Most every ornament had a meaning, being tied to a personal or global event in his life that year.
John and Ann were lifelong parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange, NJ for 70 years, where they could be found in the chapel regularly for daily mass. Very active in the church, they served as Eucharistic ministers and operated the Peace and Good Corner religious gift shop for over 20 years. John was also a founding member of the Holy Name Society chapter at Our Lady of Lourdes and as a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus achieved the honor of a third-degree.
But most important to John was family and friends. John, Dad, Baba, Great Grandpa, Uncle John, you name it…he was always there. Attending every family gathering, every family event and every ball game and recital for his kids and grandkids…nothing was more important to him, than being with those that he loved. And...His wisdom and compassion made him the go-to guy for his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and more.
John was predeceased by his parents, grandson John Douglas Pflug, III, grandson-in-law Garrett Gurrieri, siblings, Audrey (Leonard) Krieger, Daniel (Reggie) Pflug, George (Muriel) Pflug, Virginia (Tom) Pizzano, Fred Pflug and Vincent Sorge. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ann, of 73 years, sister Marlene Sorge, sister-in-law Josie Pflug, son John Douglas Pflug, Jr. and wife Kim, Kathy and husband Joe Modica, Sharon and husband Paul Moench, grandchildren Jessica and Alex Patentas, Kristi Pflug, and great grandchildren Yianni and Dimirtri Patentas and Johnathan Chadwick Pflug.
Through good times and bad, John and Ann persevered grounded in their faith in God and family.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052.
Visitng will be held on Sunday April 21, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main St in West Orange.
A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday April 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Our Lourdes Church in West Orange.
Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Montclair.
