JOHN D. GAERTNER, 77, of PERRINEVILLE passed away on Friday, December 18th at St. Peters University Hospital, in New Brunswick after a long illness. Born in Newark, John lived in Edison for many years before moving to Perrineville 10 years ago. He was a graduate of Central High School, and served his country in the …
Read More
JOHN D. GAERTNER, 77, of PERRINEVILLE passed away on Friday, December 18th at St. Peters University Hospital, in New Brunswick after a long illness. Born in Newark, John lived in Edison for many years before moving to Perrineville 10 years ago. He was a graduate of Central High School, and served his country in the U.S.Army during the Korean War. He holds a business degree from Seton Hall University. John was Chairman and president of Commercial Life Insurance Company of Piscataway. He joined the Company in 1950 and upon his retirement in 1996 he co-founded Cranbury Professional Services, Cranbury. John was predeceased by his son Jeffrey S. Gaertner in 1998. He is survived by his wife Frances, his son John S. and his wife Francine, and by his grandsons John A. and Nicholas S. Gaertner. John truly loved his wife, his sons, and his grandsons. In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of John D. Gaertner would be appreciated: The Deborah Hospital, 20 – Pine Mill Road, Browns Mills, N.J. 08015.
Vickie Spears
left a message on December 23, 2010:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you his strength and power to hold you up through all you will be going through. May you treasure and hold onto all those wonderful memories of your Dad.Remember God will see and help you through all this just lean on and trust in him.
Robert E. Grady, Jr.
left a message on December 22, 2010:
My deepest sympathy for your loss. John was a true friend, gentleman, and a quiet leader that was of unquestioned integrity. He was one of my heros.
Maria Kucker
left a message on December 22, 2010:
Mrs. G, John, Fran and boys: I am so sorry for your loss. A good man, friend and neighbor. I will always remember that little smile, the twinkle in his eyes that told us all something funny was about to be said. Much Love, Maria.
John O'Connor
left a message on December 22, 2010:
John was a wonderful boss who went out of his way to make people feel comfortable and valued. Working for John and his leadership team was my most enjoyable work experience. Condolences to family and friends.
jack lardieri
left a message on December 21, 2010:
just want to send our condolences to the gaertner family, always my favorite uncle, and was a major part of my life
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeffrey Craig
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Although I've only been personally working with John as an investment counselor and tax preparer for a short time, he was very likeable and quickly became one of my favorite clients. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, and I, along with my colleagues at The Colony Group, will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bob Diers
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Tommorow will be a sad day. I wish I could be there to give all you family members a big hug. The last few days have brought back many memories of my times with John. He was a mentor and a friend. He very seldom complained and always had a positive attitude. I was lucky that John took me under his arm in my growing insuranace years. A minister at a funeral I once attended exlpained the word grief and I would like to use that about John. We grief for Johns lose. However, John is free of pain and in Gods hands. We grief because we miss deeply the compainship and friendship of John. God bless you John Gaertner! My the lord be with all of you and with Jonhs spirit.
Cat Fraser
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Dear Fran & Family, I was so very sad to hear of John's passing. I am so used to getting a little friendly reply to my holiday e-card. I knew John thru Cranberry and the association benefit business from 98-01 and we kept in touch. Always so kind, helpful and supportive in a fatherly way. John always talked about his family and grand children, and trains, I remember something about him being a train fan. Please know you are in my heart and in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss him too.
Scott and Barb Jones
left a message on December 21, 2010:
I only met your Dad a few times but I liked him instantly. When I first met him I knew then why his son was such a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family my friend.
Lisa Rivera
left a message on December 21, 2010:
John and Fran, Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Paul And Lisa Rivera
william fahey
left a message on December 21, 2010:
My deepest sympathy to John's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan and Tom Coulter
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Our deepest sympathies go to the Gaertner family at this difficult time. John was a special person who will be missed by so many.
Hal Taylor
left a message on December 21, 2010:
I came to the Continental in 1966. On my first interview I met four unforgettable personalities: Nathan H. "Bo" Wentworth who was Vice Chairman,George McDowell,John and F.Prescott Jumper, who was my boss. George and Pres were at swordpoints but John always was a friend. I knew John was a strong person when he would come to work in that Navy Peajacket he favored.God bless him. Hal Taylor
Derek Ackerman
left a message on December 21, 2010:
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. - Washington Irving
George Howard
left a message on December 21, 2010:
I have known John for so many years that it's hard to imagine that he is no longer with us. I owe him a debt of gratitude, professionally, which I could never repay, and personally he was a dear, dear friend who will always be missed.
Art & Janet Kurek
left a message on December 20, 2010:
John and Family..I didn't know your dad but he sounds like my kind of guy our condolences..Art and Janet kurek
George and Colleen Gallagher
left a message on December 20, 2010:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Our sympathy, The Gallaghers
Brian Nagel
left a message on December 20, 2010:
My heart goes out to Fran, young John, Francine, John and Nicholas. "Mr. G" was a very important part of my growing up, as we lived next door to Mr. and Mrs G for over 25 years. I will always look back fondly on the years listening to my father and Mr. G. talk about life and business. It was an education I will never forget.
The Pyhel Family
left a message on December 20, 2010:
Dear Fran & Family, We were so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Betsy Cozine
left a message on December 19, 2010:
Fran,and all of John's beloved family, I went to work for Continental (later Commercial Life) in 1964 and met John on my first trip to the Home Office a few weeks later. He made quite an impression on me and through my 35 years with the Company, John was always one of my favorites. He was a mentor, loyal friend, helper when I needed help, and always such fun. Fran, John and I were on many awards trips together with Commercial Life and had such a great time in Hawaii. He was a great person and will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you in this sad time. Sincerely, Betsy Cozine
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bill Pearce
left a message on December 19, 2010:
John was a key reason why I stayed with Continental/Commercial for 22 years. He truly made an impact on not only my career, but my personal life as well. Barb and I will truly miss him. Our sincerest condolences to Fran and the family.
Nicosia Family
left a message on December 19, 2010:
John you know I always Loved your DAD he would always like to talk Stocks with me and was always concern about how Work was treating me. lol.. he was a great man.. always took us to the games or had the best tickets for us to go .. Even thou I have not seen him in years i know he asked about me and i would always ask you about your parents. I will miss him like my own DAD.
Leslee Salrin
left a message on December 18, 2010:
My condolences to Fran and the family. John was such a big part of my life, business and personal, as I started my career. I owe so much of my success to him. He was so balanced and and such a mentor. He will be missed.
Brenda Hartpence
left a message on December 18, 2010:
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John and I have done business together for about 10 years. I fill like I know you all, as he'd share stories about his vacations and family through the years. He was so proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. I do remember him telling me how much his wife enjoyed Sees candy and he always tried to make her happy by buying her some. I'll miss our special conversations, as it was always a joy to get to visit with John. John will always hold a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed. Brenda Hartpence, Alexander and Strunk
Debbie Springsteen
left a message on December 18, 2010:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie Springsteen American General Life Companies
Dick Beale
left a message on December 18, 2010:
I had the pleasure of knowing John for more than 30 years as an employer, mentor and friend. I will miss John, his wonderful sense of humor and his loyalty to his friends and business associates. He was respected by all who came in contact with him. My thoughts and prayers go out Fran, his son, his family and to Michael.
Mark & JoAnne Wallace
left a message on December 18, 2010:
Mrs. G. John Fran john & nick we both are very sorry to hear about your loss . Love Mark & Joanne Wallace
Sandra Barron
left a message on December 18, 2010:
John always had a find word for everyone and will be remembered for it.
Debra Nagel
left a message on December 18, 2010:
We are greatly saddened by the loss of a great friend and once next door neighbor. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Carl A. Holland
left a message on June 9, 2009:
Mr. Gaertner taught me a lot about how to treat people in business. Simple, treat them like you want to be treated. He treated everyone like they were the most important employee. I often think about how you took the time to mentor me. Thanks for sharing your husband and dad with me. Carl A. Holland AIG
John Lichtenberger
left a message on February 26, 2009:
I am truly sorry for this loss. I wish I known before today of John's passing.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Vickie Spears
left a message on December 23, 2010:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you his strength and power to hold you up through all you will be going through. May you treasure and hold onto all those wonderful memories of your Dad.Remember God will see and help you through all this just lean on and trust in him.
Robert E. Grady, Jr.
left a message on December 22, 2010:
My deepest sympathy for your loss. John was a true friend, gentleman, and a quiet leader that was of unquestioned integrity. He was one of my heros.
Maria Kucker
left a message on December 22, 2010:
Mrs. G, John, Fran and boys: I am so sorry for your loss. A good man, friend and neighbor. I will always remember that little smile, the twinkle in his eyes that told us all something funny was about to be said. Much Love, Maria.
John O'Connor
left a message on December 22, 2010:
John was a wonderful boss who went out of his way to make people feel comfortable and valued. Working for John and his leadership team was my most enjoyable work experience. Condolences to family and friends.
jack lardieri
left a message on December 21, 2010:
just want to send our condolences to the gaertner family, always my favorite uncle, and was a major part of my life
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeffrey Craig
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Although I've only been personally working with John as an investment counselor and tax preparer for a short time, he was very likeable and quickly became one of my favorite clients. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, and I, along with my colleagues at The Colony Group, will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bob Diers
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Tommorow will be a sad day. I wish I could be there to give all you family members a big hug. The last few days have brought back many memories of my times with John. He was a mentor and a friend. He very seldom complained and always had a positive attitude. I was lucky that John took me under his arm in my growing insuranace years. A minister at a funeral I once attended exlpained the word grief and I would like to use that about John. We grief for Johns lose. However, John is free of pain and in Gods hands. We grief because we miss deeply the compainship and friendship of John. God bless you John Gaertner! My the lord be with all of you and with Jonhs spirit.
Cat Fraser
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Dear Fran & Family, I was so very sad to hear of John's passing. I am so used to getting a little friendly reply to my holiday e-card. I knew John thru Cranberry and the association benefit business from 98-01 and we kept in touch. Always so kind, helpful and supportive in a fatherly way. John always talked about his family and grand children, and trains, I remember something about him being a train fan. Please know you are in my heart and in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss him too.
Scott and Barb Jones
left a message on December 21, 2010:
I only met your Dad a few times but I liked him instantly. When I first met him I knew then why his son was such a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family my friend.
Lisa Rivera
left a message on December 21, 2010:
John and Fran, Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Paul And Lisa Rivera
william fahey
left a message on December 21, 2010:
My deepest sympathy to John's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan and Tom Coulter
left a message on December 21, 2010:
Our deepest sympathies go to the Gaertner family at this difficult time. John was a special person who will be missed by so many.
Hal Taylor
left a message on December 21, 2010:
I came to the Continental in 1966. On my first interview I met four unforgettable personalities: Nathan H. "Bo" Wentworth who was Vice Chairman,George McDowell,John and F.Prescott Jumper, who was my boss. George and Pres were at swordpoints but John always was a friend. I knew John was a strong person when he would come to work in that Navy Peajacket he favored.God bless him. Hal Taylor
Derek Ackerman
left a message on December 21, 2010:
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. - Washington Irving
George Howard
left a message on December 21, 2010:
I have known John for so many years that it's hard to imagine that he is no longer with us. I owe him a debt of gratitude, professionally, which I could never repay, and personally he was a dear, dear friend who will always be missed.
Art & Janet Kurek
left a message on December 20, 2010:
John and Family..I didn't know your dad but he sounds like my kind of guy our condolences..Art and Janet kurek
George and Colleen Gallagher
left a message on December 20, 2010:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Our sympathy, The Gallaghers
Brian Nagel
left a message on December 20, 2010:
My heart goes out to Fran, young John, Francine, John and Nicholas. "Mr. G" was a very important part of my growing up, as we lived next door to Mr. and Mrs G for over 25 years. I will always look back fondly on the years listening to my father and Mr. G. talk about life and business. It was an education I will never forget.
The Pyhel Family
left a message on December 20, 2010:
Dear Fran & Family, We were so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Betsy Cozine
left a message on December 19, 2010:
Fran,and all of John's beloved family, I went to work for Continental (later Commercial Life) in 1964 and met John on my first trip to the Home Office a few weeks later. He made quite an impression on me and through my 35 years with the Company, John was always one of my favorites. He was a mentor, loyal friend, helper when I needed help, and always such fun. Fran, John and I were on many awards trips together with Commercial Life and had such a great time in Hawaii. He was a great person and will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you in this sad time. Sincerely, Betsy Cozine
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bill Pearce
left a message on December 19, 2010:
John was a key reason why I stayed with Continental/Commercial for 22 years. He truly made an impact on not only my career, but my personal life as well. Barb and I will truly miss him. Our sincerest condolences to Fran and the family.
Nicosia Family
left a message on December 19, 2010:
John you know I always Loved your DAD he would always like to talk Stocks with me and was always concern about how Work was treating me. lol.. he was a great man.. always took us to the games or had the best tickets for us to go .. Even thou I have not seen him in years i know he asked about me and i would always ask you about your parents. I will miss him like my own DAD.
Leslee Salrin
left a message on December 18, 2010:
My condolences to Fran and the family. John was such a big part of my life, business and personal, as I started my career. I owe so much of my success to him. He was so balanced and and such a mentor. He will be missed.
Brenda Hartpence
left a message on December 18, 2010:
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John and I have done business together for about 10 years. I fill like I know you all, as he'd share stories about his vacations and family through the years. He was so proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. I do remember him telling me how much his wife enjoyed Sees candy and he always tried to make her happy by buying her some. I'll miss our special conversations, as it was always a joy to get to visit with John. John will always hold a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed. Brenda Hartpence, Alexander and Strunk
Debbie Springsteen
left a message on December 18, 2010:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie Springsteen American General Life Companies
Dick Beale
left a message on December 18, 2010:
I had the pleasure of knowing John for more than 30 years as an employer, mentor and friend. I will miss John, his wonderful sense of humor and his loyalty to his friends and business associates. He was respected by all who came in contact with him. My thoughts and prayers go out Fran, his son, his family and to Michael.
Mark & JoAnne Wallace
left a message on December 18, 2010:
Mrs. G. John Fran john & nick we both are very sorry to hear about your loss . Love Mark & Joanne Wallace
Sandra Barron
left a message on December 18, 2010:
John always had a find word for everyone and will be remembered for it.
Debra Nagel
left a message on December 18, 2010:
We are greatly saddened by the loss of a great friend and once next door neighbor. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Carl A. Holland
left a message on June 9, 2009:
Mr. Gaertner taught me a lot about how to treat people in business. Simple, treat them like you want to be treated. He treated everyone like they were the most important employee. I often think about how you took the time to mentor me. Thanks for sharing your husband and dad with me. Carl A. Holland AIG
John Lichtenberger
left a message on February 26, 2009:
I am truly sorry for this loss. I wish I known before today of John's passing.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence..
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.