Obituary of John Kenneth Cerutti

John Kenneth Cerutti, of Madison, died peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Pine Acres in Madison. He was 91.

John’s family, Church and work were his passions, and his giving spirit and generosity is what people will most remember.

John is survived by his 3 sons from his first marriage.  Robert Cerutti and his wife Caroline Hancock of Princeton, Frank Cerutti and his wife Cathy Cocozziello- Cerutti of Madison, and Thomas Cerutti of Madison. His loving grandchildren Gregory (Christine), Laura (Andrew), William & Marian, Anna and John and two great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Sophia.

 He is predeceased by his wife, Sophia (nee Jupin, d.2015) and stepdaughter, Deborah Johnston (d.2021).  He is survived by his stepson-in-law, James Johnston of New Providence, and his children Jimmy (Jessica), Nicole, Kimberly (Andrew), and Danielle (Michael) and step- great grandchildren Xavier, Aurora, Wyatt, Connor and Chelsea.

John was born in Orange, NJ on October 14, 1931, to the late Robert and Ann Cerutti. He is also predeceased by his brother, Robert.  John grew up in West Orange and after graduating Immaculate Conception High School, he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, John went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Rutgers in Newark, graduating Summa Cum Laude number one at the top of his class in 1958.

John began his career as a pharmacist with Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals. He then went on to become a staff pharmacist at Hasler’s Pharmacy in West Caldwell from 1960 to 1969.  Thereafter, he became owner of Hasler’s Pharmacy in Chatham Township. John mentored many young pharmacy employees with a strong work ethic, respect for customers, and unprecedented life-skills to succeed.  John was dedicated to his customers and the community. He was trusted and respected by local families for several generations. He was deeply revered by all who knew him.  John retired in 1997.

In his leisure time John was a model railroad collector and enthusiast. He had an elaborate Lionel train layout at his home that his grandchildren and family have many fond memories of.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation for John on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually at www.svmnj.org

A committal service with military honors for John will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.