Plan for the Future
John (“Jack”) Paul Weichert passed away peacefully, early on Monday, March 19, 2018, after a long, valiantly fought battle against Parkinson’s Disease.
Jack was born to the late William P. Weichert, Jr., and Anne Dempsey Weichert on August 26, 1951, in Summit, NJ. He grew up in Chatham, graduated from Chatham H.S., and received his associate’s degree from Brandywine College in Delaware. Jack also served in the Army National Guard during this time period. After his marriage, to Linda “Linnie” Kelley, he moved to Madison and served thereafter as a volunteer on the Madison Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Jack was devoted to the family business, Chatham Main Contractors, from childhood until his illness made work no longer an option. His passion was work and running heavy equipment.
Although Parkinson’s Disease is usually thought to afflict the elderly, Jack was sadly diagnosed when he was only 33 years old. He fought his illness with spirit, never complaining about his plight and maintained his wonderful sense of humor for many years. Although he could be a challenge to those who knew him well during those many years as the disease played its ugly self out, he was a wonderful example to all who knew him. Nonetheless, Jack showed an amazing ability to look on the brighter side, never seeking self-pity for himself. That is his blessed legacy.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Bill Weichert, and his brother, Bill. He is survived by his devoted sons, Kevin and Tim (and his wife Erin), both of Chatham; his brother, Jim (Pam) Weichert of New Vernon, sister in law, Bobbie Ann, of Selburne, NH and Placida, FL. He is also survived by his wife, Linnie, of Madison and Chatham, sister in law, Margie Salin, and her husband, Charlie, of Chatham. Jack left many loving nieces and nephews as well. Special mention and gratitude must be given to his devoted caregiver of more than 10 years, Joseph “Edmund” Brown, of Chatham, to whom Jack’s whole family is eternally grateful for his loving care of Jack.