Obituary of John Joseph Friend

John Joseph Friend born May 19, 1936 and raised in Montclair, NJ has passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

He attended Montclair High School excelling in football, baseball and basketball eventually being awarded the Decathelon for Excellence in Sports.  Following High School, he served in the U.S. Army being stationed in White Sands New Mexico Military Installation. After completing his service in the military, he ran his own business, John's Sport Shop for 47 years as a master gunsmith, retiring in 2005.

His passions in life were fishing, hunting and golf. After retiring he played with the Old Guard in Millburn mentoring young golfers in tournaments. He spent his time tying flies and fishing with his son and best friend Bill.  

John was the son of the late Charles and Sarah (DeMedici) Friend. 

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Collins), of 54 years, He was the loving father of sons, Danny, Erik, John Jr. and his wife Florinda,  Charles Friend; and daughter,  Deborah and her husband Larry Lange. He is also survived by his sister, Carmela Ann and her husband Harvey Share; and was predeceased by his sister,  Annette Pierson.

His love for his grandchildren always put a smile on his face, Michael, Sierra, Sebastian Friend, Vincent Brighton, Jessica Morningstar and her husband Kyle.

He is also survived by his nephews and nieces.

Also surviving are his lifelong "loving friends", Bill and Sylvia Smalley. Not just fishing buddies, but "brothers".

He will be missed but we know he's "Gone Fishing with our Lord"

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the visitation for John held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 217 Prospect St, South Orange, NJ 07079.

Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Iselin, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in John's name to the East Orange VA Medical Center, 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018-1023