John Kelly Weaver, 68, of Little Silver, passed away April 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of more than 35 years, Barbara Weaver; their children, Lauren Stralo (son-in-law Erik) of Easton, Pennsylvania, and William and Reilly Weaver of Little Silver; and his precious granddaughters, Cecelia Jeanne and Quinn Poppy. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Weaver (wife Laura) of Dacula, Georgia; Laura Mattson (husband Ken) of Mahwah; and Beth Peterson (husband Phil) of Cape May; along with many close extended family members, lifelong friends and colleagues.
John was born in Mahwah to the late Edwin and Betty Weaver. A lifelong New Jerseyan with a heart of gold, his kindness was evident throughout his life. He always put others before himself.
John had a successful career as a project manager for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), where he formed lifelong friendships and earned the respect of his colleagues for his hard work and dedication. Even in the final years battling kidney disease, his work ethic never wavered.
He was a man of many passions: a former Mahwah police officer, a sun-chaser, a music lover, and someone who could sit in an Adirondack chair and somehow make it look like a full-time job. His beach visits were legendary: no umbrella, no cooler, no towel – just a paperback and a man in the sand, who looked like he had it all figured out.
In his younger years, John enjoyed being outdoors, with hobbies like flying Cessna airplanes, skiing and golfing. Summers were spent in Lake Bomoseen, Vermont, where he created memories with family and friends.
If you met John, you probably remember it. He likely told you a story that you’ll never forget – one that ended with you laughing and wondering how someone so unassuming had lived such an interesting life.
To his three children, Lauren, William and Reilly, John was larger than life. He was their personal hype man, the man who could be both their toughest critic and their proudest cheerleader all at once.
To his granddaughters, he was known affectionately as “Poppy.” He was a magic-maker: pancake wizard, donut supplier and snuggle hero. He never said no to one more hug or one more story.
John was the rock of his family, especially in his last seven years battling kidney failure. He faced each challenge with grit, humor and a strength most people only read about. He never stopped fighting.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28 at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven. In honor of John, please consider registering as an organ donor at organdonor.gov.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the May 1 – 7, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
