What do you call a man who is larger than life itself? Some call him Dad, some call him Pop Pop, to others he was Jack, Jackie or John. John “Jack” Westlake of Red Bank and Jupiter, Florida, left this life Aug. 8, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Madeline and John, his sister Madeline and his first wife Ethel Blackburn Westlake.
John was born July 8, 1930, in Jersey City. He attended Snyder High School where he met and married his wife Ethel. He served as a sergeant first class in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Dix. After being honorably discharged, he moved to and raised his family in East Brunswick where he was employed as a Prudential sales agent. Later he relocated his family to Rumson where he became a real estate developer, building Eastpointe, Twin Lights Condominiums, Hilltop Terrace and Gateway Villas in Highlands. In addition, he developed a residential project in Hunter Mountain as well as at Great Adventure in Jackson. At that time, he was also a consultant for Health Care Properties, which maintained five resident care homes, including King James Nursing Home in Atlantic Highlands. He then went on to establish Direct Line, the first ferry service to New York City from Highlands.
During his time in Rumson, he was appointed president of the Monmouth County Tax Board, was a member of the board of directors for NJ Alliance for Action, the Monmouth Conservation Fund, which helped to develop the Waterfront Revitalization project in South Amboy, and was chairman of the NJ Boat Regulation Commission. In addition, he served as president of the Society of Prevention and Cruelty to Animals, was a member of the Arthritis Foundation, co-chairing the Art for Arthritis Ball, as well as a committee member of the Monmouth Association for Special Needs Children.
Jack loved gardening and had a tremendous green thumb. He also enjoyed fishing, spending summers at his parents’ homes in Seaside Park and Green Island, going out on his sailboat, traveling and spending time at his condominium in Jupiter, Florida. He was especially proud of and enjoyed being with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
His life will be forever cherished in the lives of his wife of 18 years Bobbie (Marchitto); his daughters Susan of Rochester, New York and Lynne Clements and her husband Rod of Middletown; four grandchildren, Allyson Clements Russell and her husband Mike, Jeff Clements and his wife Aleine, Brittany Clements Attanasio and her husband Rico, and Ryan Clements; his stepsons Michael Marchitto and his wife Tara of Monmouth Beach and Joseph Marchitto of Shrewsbury; Kathleen Marchitto Fullman and her husband Gregory of Manchester; two step-grandsons, Gregory and Tyler Fullman; six great-grandchildren, Emma and Morgan Russell, Kai Clements, Liliana, Justin and Bella Attanasio; and the many family and friends he leaves behind.
Viewing and a celebration of his life was held Aug. 12 at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A memorial service was held at the funeral home Aug. 13. Interment followed at Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Kidney Foundation, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
For more information or to send condolences, please visit pflegerfuneralhome.com.
