Plan for the Future
John H. Mercurio
12/1/64 – 10/16/2023
Our special angel John (58) passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023, at Overlook hospital in Summit surrounded by his loving family.
The first-born child to Herbert C Mercurio and Angela Mercurio (Racioppi) on December 1, 1964, at Clara Maas Hospital in Belleville, John was born with Rubella Syndrome.
John’s condition was embraced by his loving parents who accepted his disabilities by showering him with love, affection, and care his entire life.
John attended many programs focused on caring for and teaching children that shared his condition. Most notably, Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia. He then lived in group homes ran by St Joseph’s school for the blind in Jersey City, NJ and Keystone Community Living in North Plainfield, NJ. While he lived at each of these locations, his parents would always make the time to take him home each weekend to keep him connected with his family.
John enjoyed the simple things in his life that included swimming at the beach, lake and pool, a playground swing, home cooked meals and treats, particularly salty popcorn, and pretzels.
Although he couldn’t verbally communicate with words, John’s presence in this world had a profound impact on his entire family and the people that cared for him and attended to his healthcare needs.
John is survived by his loving parents Herb and Angela, brothers Mark (Tish) of Allendale, NJ and Peter (Alison) of Long Valley, NJ, loving nieces and nephews Chelsea (Nick) James, Jacob. Juliana, Ava, Luke, Kylie, Tyler, Willow as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to Bradley, Smith and Smith Funeral Home, Springfield, NJ for visitation hours on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Livingston, NJ with a burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to Keystone Community Living, 154 Front Street, South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
