John D'Altilio Obituary

John Joseph D'Altilio, Sr., 64, of Keansburg, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by loved ones at JFK University Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey on June 16, 2025.
John was born on September 6, 1960 to John and Bella D'Altilio in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from Keansburg High School and attended Old Dominion University before beginning his career and starting a family with his beloved wife, Margaret, whom he married in 1986. Together they raised four children, and later, they were blessed with three grandchildren who filled their lives with joy and happiness. John embraced both roles of "Dad" and "Grandpa/Pop-Pop" with warmth and devotion. His family was his pride and joy, and he found purpose and happiness in their achievements, milestones, and everyday moments. Above all, John loved spending time with his three grandchildren and treasured every moment with them.
John cherished creating family traditions that brought everyone together. The most beloved was annual trips to Stokes State Forest, where days were filled with fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying each other's company in the peacefulness of nature. These trips became a treasured ritual, passed down through the years and remembered fondly by his children, and now, his grandchildren. At home, John continued building traditions with family pizza nights, where he proudly made his famous homemade pizza that became a family favorite. It was something simple yet special that brought everyone together, and it is these simple joys that left a lasting impression on those he loved most.
Aside from his career with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, from which he retired in 2011, John was a dedicated public servant who proudly served as a volunteer firefighter in both the Keansburg and Middletown Township Fire Departments for nearly 40 years. During his tenure, John rose through the ranks, becoming Chief of the Middletown Township Fire Department in 2013-a title that not only reflected his position, but became his nickname among friends, family, and fellow firefighters. He took great pride in serving his community and mentoring younger members of the department, even inspiring all of his children to become volunteer firefighters themselves.
John is survived and missed deeply by his son John D'Altilio Jr. and his wife Melissa; son William D'Altilio and his wife Nicole; daughter Christine Fentiman and her husband Bryan; daughter Ashley Vollmuth and her husband George; grandchildren Michael, Emily, and Maverick; mother Bella D'Altilio; sister Christine Luchko and her husband Stephen; niece Elizabeth O'Brien and her husband Francis; niece Nicole Luchko; as well as many cousins and distant loved ones.
John is predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Margaret, without whom he lived only 39 days; as well as his father, John D'Altilio; father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Betty Simpson; and brothers-in-law, Freddie and Kenneth Simpson.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Laurel Funeral Home at 201 Laurel Avenue, Hazlet Township, New Jersey, with a Fire Department service at 7 PM to honor John's dedicated years of service.
A funeral gathering will take place on Friday, June 20 at 9 AM. A funeral Mass to honor John and his late wife, Margaret, will follow at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church at 311 Carr Avenue, Keansburg, New Jersey at 10 AM. Immediately following the Mass, the Middletown Township Fire Department will hold a last call at the East Keansburg Fire Company. A repast will be held afterward at the West Keansburg Fire Company Banquet Hall.