John “Denny” Mingo, an inspirational father and caring friend, passed away May 29, 2025, at the age of 82 in his Toms River home.
Known for his insatiable curiosity, boundless enthusiasm and quirky sense of humor, Denny was gregarious – someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He carried the wisdom of lived experience and offered it generously. Many found comfort, insight and encouragement in his presence, especially during life’s harder moments.
Denny was born Dec. 20, 1942, and grew up in Passaic. He attended Rutgers University, where he cultivated his lifelong love of learning and his wide-ranging interests. He later raised his family in Deal and Little Silver, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter and the spirit of adventure.
A jazz drummer in his youth, Denny remained a passionate music lover with eclectic taste throughout his life. He was also an avid reader, often saving and sharing books or articles that made him think of you, always with a touch of thoughtfulness and care. He loved the beach and the water, and the freedom of sailing, whether on a Hobie Cat, fishing or ice boat.
At his core, Denny was an independent thinker and an entrepreneur, determined to do things on his own terms. After his New York City-based corporate life, he worked as a boat broker for years, until he eventually branched out on a new venture: Building a small, loyal business driving people on all sorts of journeys – families off on vacation, students on their way back to college or even pets being rehomed. He loved traveling solo on the open road, often accompanied by a radio show, a great playlist or a long phone conversation. To his clients, he was more than a driver – he was a trusted companion, a source of support, a storyteller, a jazz aficionado and a friend. Whether he was accompanying someone to a medical appointment or a night out in the city, Denny was ready for any occasion, always offering a helpful tip, a warm presence or a well-timed joke.
He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. Though they were scattered across the globe, he never tried to constrain them for his sake. Instead, he kept them close by sharing stories of their adventures and accomplishments, brought vividly to life through his extraordinary gift for storytelling.
Denny is survived by his children and their spouses: Darin and his wife Antoinette; Ryan and his wife Raquel; Stefani and her husband Mike McDermott; and Kim and her husband Paolo Ventura. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Bruc, Aidan, Riley, Primo, Liam, Noa, Kaikea, Hana and Seira, as well as countless friends who will miss him dearly.
The article originally appeared in the June 19 – 25, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
