John L. Sidwa

John L. Sidwa of North Brunswick, NJ passed away after a brief illness on Friday, July 23, 2021.

John was born on May 24, 1945 in Newark NJ, the first child of Dorothy Torbin Sidwa Zawora, and John Sidwa, a U.S. Marine Corps pilot who died while on a training mission when John was 5 years old.  John was later raised by his step father Paul Zawora.  John is predeceased by his mother Dorothy Torbin Sidwa, his father John Sidwa, his step father Paul Zawora and his sister Kathy Markham.

After attending St. Benedicts Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, he transferred to Redbank Catholic High School and graduated in 1963. John earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from West Virginia University. He then attended Rutgers University to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration.  His career as a Chemical Engineer took him up and down the east coast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.  He excelled in managerial positions at multiple chemical plants. John enjoyed the last 10 years in retirement.

In 1984, John met his soul mate, Christine Sukovich. They were joined in marriage on December 10th, 1988 and would have celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary this year.  John and Chris were avid Broadway enthusiasts.  They spent many a day at Carmine's in Manhattan, followed by a show.  The two were also talented ballroom dancers, and could rarely be caught sitting down at any occasion with danceable music.

John was a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of Peace Church in North Brunswick, NJ.  He was also an active member in the local Knights of Columbus Council #11378, humbly attaining the title of 3rd Degree Knight.

John was a loving husband, father, and endeared grandfather. He was an inspiration to his children and was truly loved and admired.  John's unconditional love and support was always apparent to his children and all of his family.  He was a generous and gracious host, who delighted in hosting any member of his family for a quick visit or a months-long stay.  He welcomed his extended family to his home to celebrate the major holidays, including the annual 4th of July pool party and never hesitated to join in on a good game of pinochle with his wife and her family. An aspiring author, John was in the process of publishing a suspense filled mystery about chemical warfare.

John is survived by, and will be forever missed by, his beloved wife Christine, his children Charles Sidwa and his wife Vickie, Jennifer Gamba and her fiancée Rob Comandini and John Sidwa and his wife Brenda.  His memories are imprinted on his grandchildren Paige and Hailey Sidwa, Angelo Gamba and Damien Anderson.  He is also survived by his 3 "furry" children Frankie, Ernie and Pie.

Visitation will be held at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home located in Westfield, NJ on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 4PM – 8PM   A funeral mass will be held the following day, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 10AM at Our Lady of Peace Church in North Brunswick, NJ.

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