Plan for the Future
John Faccenda, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, born July 11, 1929, passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 9, 2023. He was 93.
Born and raised in Morristown, NJ, he raised his family in Hanover Township where he spent most of his adult life, before moving to his final residence at The Oaks at Denville Senior Living facility in 2017. After graduating from Morristown High School, he earned his barber’s license and began working for his father at the Lackawanna Barber Shop in Morristown. In 1951, John was called to serve his country and was assigned to the Army’s 47th Infantry Division at Camp Rucker, Alabama. Upon his mother’s passing in 1952, John received an honorable discharge to return home to help with the family finances by running the barber shop for his father who was seriously ill at that time. In early 1954, John met the love of his life, Dolores DeBlis of Millburn at the former dance club DeMaio’s in Hanover Township, and they were wed later that year on October 24, 1954. After living in Morristown for four years, in 1958, they moved to their dream home on Appletree Lane in the Cedar Knolls section of Hanover Township.
After co-owning the Lackawanna barber shop with his late brother Giacomo (“Jake”) for several years, John sold his share of the business and spent a few years at Ohaus Scale Corporation in Florham Park before becoming a security officer working his desired midnight shift at Crum & Forster Insurance Company in Convent Station where he subsequently was promoted to Chief. The midnight shift suited him well so he could also work his other two jobs as the private barber for the Beneficial Corporation during the morning hours and as a Special Police Officer for the Hanover Township Police Department directing traffic in the afternoon at Suburban Propane in Whippany and working the various sporting events in the evenings and football games on Saturdays at Whippany Park High School. He also served as the head of the Whippany Park Booster Club and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.
John loved nothing more than spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, recitals, band concerts, and ceremonies. He was an avid New York Jets fan spending many freezing cold Sundays at Shea Stadium in the 1960’s and 70’s with his three sons and many of his closest friends. He enjoyed running his monthly bus trips to Atlantic City and his annual weeklong trips to Aruba, Las Vegas, and Paradise Island. He loved playing poker, visiting his friends which he would call “making his rounds”, and giving haircuts to seniors and people in need. He was always there to help anyone and began and ended any engagement with a big hug and kiss.
Predeceased by his wife Dolores, and sons John (“Jay”) Joseph Faccenda, Jr. and Steven John Faccenda, Sr., he is survived by his loving companion Kathy Morrissey of Mt. Arlington, son Gary and wife MaryLee of Denville; his daughter Madeline Carroll of Morris Plains; and his daughter-in-laws Francine Faccenda of Boonton; and Debbie Faccenda of Hackettstown. Remembered as Poppy to his seven grandchildren, Jaye Schaffer (husband Greg), Nick, Allison, Tyler, Steven Jr., Tim (wife Katrina), and Taryn, plus his two great grandchildren, Logan and Wyatt. John was also predeceased by his brother Jake, and sisters Josephine Capezzuto and Ann Moglia.
