Greed, Dr. John Thomas Jr.
Greed, Dr. John Thomas Jr. age 91 of Fredon Twp., NJ passed away on Tuesday July 12, 2022. Son of the late John Thomas and Mary Gertrude (nee Gleason) Greed, John was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Greed had a lifelong career as Superintendent of Schools in Florham Park, Belleville, Boonton, and Sparta. He retired to Long Beach Island before settling in Fredon Twp. seventeen years ago.
John earned his undergraduate degree from La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA and then served in the United States Navy. Dr. Greed went on to earn his Masters in Philosophy from the University of Delaware and his Ph.D. in Education Administration from Fordham University New York, NY.
John was a prolific letter writer. He developed the habit by writing to his mother after joining the Christian Brothers in 1945, and he corresponded with his children and friends on a weekly basis for decades. John’s letters and attached articles of interest always brought joy; he wrote with stories of his travels with his wife, Gladys, memories of the past, and the occasional sermon letter about the meaning of life as a good Christian. In 2020 John began writing his autobiography which he completed days before his death.
John was a model train enthusiast, history buff, an avid boater, fisherman, golfer and baseball fan. He was a devoted family man, to Gladys, his wife of sixty-six years, his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. John loved to travel. He and Gladys explored many historical sites and museums taking numerous photographs and sharing them with family and friends.
He was a devout parishioner of the Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church Newton, NJ. Dr. Greed is survived by his beloved wife Gladys M. (nee Carrara), son John (Marisa), daughters Maria and Gladys Ann (Troy), grandchildren, Dennis, Lauren, Christopher (Nicole), Ally, Michael, Michelle, Jaden and great granddaughter, Ilianna. Predeceased in life by sister, Mary, son Christopher, and grandson Joshua.
Visitation will be held Monday July 18, 2022 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm, in the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, 156 Main St. (Rt. 206) Newton, NJ 07860. A Christian Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday July 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM in the Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 24 Halsted Street Newton, NJ, 07860. Entombment will immediately follow in the Gate of Heaven RC Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave. East Hanover, NJ 07936. Online condolences through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to John’s memory may be made to the Christian Brothers, Saint La Salle Auxiliary.
John and his wife Gladys have been lovely and caring neighbors to me for many years
John’s optimism and special love for model railroads have been an inspiration to me