John Henry Kampmann Sr., 87, of River Edge, NJ and Longboat Key, FL, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased too long ago by his beautiful, loving and devoted wife Kathy in 1991, he was the definition and example of a loving father to Maryann, John (the late Dana) and Rich (Patty) Kampmann. Proud grandpa of Jenna, Molly, Jack, Ricky, Hunter and Grant. Further survived by nieces, nephews, his sisters Gladys and Dorothy, his students, fellow teachers, friends and wonderful neighbors.
John graduated from Cliffside Park HS, and Fairleigh Dickenson University. He married Katherine Delores Saltamachia in 1955, raised their family for a few years in Cliffside Park NJ then in River Edge NJ, and actively supported organizations that benefited his children including sports, and scouting.
A Korean Conflict U.S. Army Veteran, John will be long remembered as a dedicated, devoted, kind, caring, and generous of spirit Middle School Teacher in Maywood, NJ. Among other things, he will be remembered by his students for the year-long Country Report assignment, leading the Debate Club and ‘The Game of Ur’. He taught not only how to research and write a report, but also, though we are all from different cultures, we are all one people, each no better, with much to offer the world and each other.
After Kathy passed, John became active in the Church and different ministries at St Peter’s in River Edge and St Andrew’s in Westwood and persevered; his zest for life was contagious as he loved to travel, paint and most of all spend quality time with family and friends. His spirit lives on in all whom he met and inspired.
Funeral Mass Monday, January 21st, 9:30 AM, St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, River Edge. Interment George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Visiting Saturday & Sunday, January 19th & 20th, 2-6 PM at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge. A Memorial Service will follow at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Longboat Key, FL (details to be announced locally.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to The Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236; https://friendshipcenters.org.