John G. Shubeck

John G. Shubeck

Printer and Poet

One of the fondest memories John’s children have is of him is his many nights dedicated to earning his college degree at Rutgers University during the height of the Newark riots and a decade of night classes from the mid-60s to 70s, after long days of working the printing presses at George Iles Printing and Colby and McGowan Printing, both in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Even then, he was a master of reinventing himself, instilling in his children the value of a college education, working hard to achieve it, and recognizing it as a privilege not afforded to all.

His beloved wife Elaine T. Shubeck, who predeceased him in 2007, transcribed his college papers at the breakfast table, while their four young children witnessed the dynamic interchange between two earnest and dedicated parents working towards a mutual goal.  While Elaine may not have had her own diploma, John was fond of saying that, “she was smarter than me and earned the degree as much as I did,” and purposely engaged her in this enterprise so that their relationship would continue to grow and flourish with their shared emotional and intellectual journey.

Born on August 7, 1931 in Elizabeth, John experienced the distinct Depression-era childhood, forever branded by the frugalness of a generation known for saving, necessity-spending and gratitude for basics. His late-in-life idiosyncrasies were marked by this hyper-vigilance of living in the present and spending within ones needs:  credit cards were charge cards – to be paid off at month’s- end; supermarket circulars guided his shopping – when even the simplest bargains drove his weekly food circuit; and CD rates made for frustrating comparisons - when minimal increments meant there was little reason for such attention to financial details.

Using his BA in Marketing, John founded Consumer Research Services in the early 1970s and wrote an interviewing training tool which stands the test of time to any guide found today.  When technology eclipsed the printing business, he reinvented himself once again, founding E&J Graphics, a moniker which combined the first initials of his wife Elaine and his own first name, a computer graphics firm which provided design and integrated printed services to for- and non-profit organizations which benefited from his creative and dedicated energy.

A leader in every way, John was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, guiding his three sons through the ladder of Boy Scout ranks; founding the Elizabeth Band Parents’ Association in support of his children’s musical interests; and driving the creation of the Parents Association of St. Michael School in Elizabeth at a time when parental involvement was fringe not fundamental.  Parish commitment was paramount:  Eucharistic Ministry, Pastoral Council, Bread of Life Prayer Group, Holy Name Society.  John always anticipated a need and stepped in to fill it.

At the heart of his life and all his decisions was his beloved Elaine. Following his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, Elaine and John married in 1955 when they were 20 and 23 respectively.  At a time when the exchange of vows was a brief ceremony, they attended Mass together the morning of their marriage, eschewing superstition regarding the bride and groom not seeing each other prior to their wedding ceremony.  Their marriage was marked by commitment to faith and family and it was in this dynamic interplay that they discovered and lived the richness of everlasting life and love.  In the mystery which only they now know, they entered into eternal life on the same date – December 26. Their nine-year earthly separation required John to develop his interests in photography and then creative writing – outlets for his considerable emotional life.

John is survived by devoted children who attended to his growing needs: a daughter Theresa Ann, and three sons – Michael Stephen (and wife Susan), Christopher Paul and John Robert (and wife Shelly); beloved grandchildren:  his namesake John, Catherine, William, Kristen, Matthew, and Claire.  He is also survived by his brother Stanley (and wife Carole) and is predeceased by his father John and mother Mildred, both first-generation immigrants from Poland who escaped the hazardous work of the coal mines of Pennsylvania, but whose son never lost the fortitude, imagination and “light at the end of the tunnel” attitude tested by poverty, invigorated by the discovery of his “soul mate,” and animated by his desire to always do what is right, best and giving to others.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a philanthropic contribution in memory of  John Shubeck to The Seeing Eye, Morristown, NJ;  St. Barnabas Burn Foundation, Livingston, NJ; or charity of your choice.  

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