John “Jack” Howard, 83, of Morganville, passed away April 29. Jack was born Nov. 30, 1936 in Jersey City, son of the late Dorothy and Leon Howard. He was raised in Port Monmouth and lived in the Bayshore area before retiring to Morganville over 30 years ago.
Jack grew up in the automotive business working alongside his father and then his brother before he open Jack Howard Auto Wreckers, which he operated for many years. Jack was an avid NASCAR fan and a stockcar driver at Wall Stadium. Jack was the “Jack of all Trades”; there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He was the best mechanic there was.
Jack loved to cook. He always had everyone laughing and was quick to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed his quiet time in his car where he would listen to country music and read the newspaper. Jack had a home in Florida for several years and looked forward to driving down there for vacations. Growing up at the Bayshore, Jack enjoyed crabbing and loved being outside. Jack was a family man and what he loved most were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered as “B-Bop” to many who knew and loved him.
Jack is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Randi Howard of Matawan; his daughter Cheryl Jensen of Morganville; and his daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Anthony Topoleski of Port Monmouth. He also leaves behind two sisters, Dotty Severage and Bobbi Ann Zemalkowski; seven grandchildren, Christina, Kelsey, Matthew, Nicholas, Brandon, Dustin and Mikayla; along with eight great-grandchildren and his ex-wife Geraldine Moore Howard.
Jack was predeceased by his brother Bobby Howard and sisters, Marie Burkhardt and Carol Eccleston.
It was Jack’s wishes to be privately cremated.
