John J. Verdon Jr., M.D., affectionately known as “Jack” and “The Doc,” passed away peacefully Jan. 4, 2024, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family.
Born in New York City in 1939 to John Sr. and Hazel Pindar Verdon, Jack was the youngest of five children. He grew up in Ridgewood with his four older sisters and attended grade school in the Ridgewood Public School system.
Jack followed in his father’s footsteps to attend both St. Peter’s Prep (1957) and College of the Holy Cross (1961). He furthered his studies at Georgetown University Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1965. He completed his residency in psychiatry at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, in 1969, then promptly joined the United States Navy, serving as a lieutenant commander from 1969 to 1971.
Upon the completion of his military service, Jack returned to his native New Jersey to embark on a decorated career in psychiatry. He established and operated his practice in adult, adolescent and family psychiatry in Tinton Falls for nearly 40 years. Jack held attending positions at Monmouth Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He also consulted to the Monmouth County Chemical Dependency Treatment Center, New Hope Foundation, Epiphany House and Easter Seals New Jersey Substance Abuse Services Division.
Jack served on and was term president of the following associations: New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the Monmouth County Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services, the Monmouth County Division of Addiction Services, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine of the New Jersey Chapter where he received the Distinguished Life Fellow award in 2000. Jack was also a recipient of the Golden Merit Award from the New Jersey Psychiatric Association for his outstanding service to their organization.
Jack was a devoted, lifelong Yankees fan. He was a member of Monmouth Beach Club and a dedicated, but not stellar, Chaser of White Ball at the Navesink Country Club. Jack was very proud of his Irish heritage and was honored to be a founding member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore. Sláinte!
Jack was predeceased by his parents, John and Hazel Verdon; his daughter, Kathleen “Katie” Verdon Spisak; and three of his sisters, Patricia Sullivan, Mary Jane Lee and Joan Peer.
Jack is survived by his beloved children, John J. “Jack” Verdon III, Amy Verdon-Lewis, Michael Peter Verdon and Renee Verdon Strack. He is also survived by four cherished grandsons, Quinn Christopher Verdon, Harrison Evan Strack, Shane Michael Verdon and Christian Joseph Verdon, as well as his sister Nancy Appoldt and his former wife and mother of his children, Kathleen Breslin. Jack also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Visitation was held Jan. 11 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 12 at Holy Cross Church in Rumson. Private cremation followed.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jack’s memory to one of his alma maters: Saint Peter’s Prep, Office of Institutional Advancement, 144 Grand St., Jersey City, NJ 07302, or online at spprep.org; or College of the Holy Cross online at holycross.edu.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared in the January 25 – 31, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
