John W. Kary

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, John W. Kary, aged 87, of Hampton, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Sunrise of Bridgewater, in Bridgewater, NJ.

He was married to Jacquline M. Kary for nearly 60 years.

John lived a life in service to others: to his family and friends, and in public service throughout his career.

His highest priority was looking after his family whom he provided for over many years through his hard work and long commutes from his house in Hampton, to Trenton, and later Marlboro and Lyons, for his work as a medical technologist supervising clinical laboratories.

He worked for many years for the State of New Jersey at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, then Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital. Upon retiring from the state, he then went to work for the federal government at Lyons VA Medical Center.

Following retirement, John continued to give back by volunteering with the Hunterdon County Medical Reserve Corps.

One of his most important contributions to society was during his time in the U.S Army, 1957 -1959, where he was part of Operation Whitecoat at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Operation Whitecoat was a biodefense medical research program. It carried out medical research using volunteer enlisted personnel. Many of the vaccines that protect against biowarfare agents were first tested on humans in Operation Whitecoat.

John was famous for his baking prowess, most notably for his cheesecake and cookie recipes, which he frequently baked for friends and family, particularly during the Christmas season.

A distinguishing characteristic of John was his high intelligence. He was a member of Mensa, an avid reader of history books and Time magazine and he loved to watch Jeopardy and would give the answers (questions actually) before anyone in the family.

His intelligence is also reflected in his many academic and professional achievements: Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University (1990), Certified Public Manager from State of New Jersey and Rutgers University (1986), Recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award for 1984 from the American Medical Technologists, and Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider College (1978).

He was a graduate of North Hunterdon Regional High School in Annandale, NJ, class of 1954.

John was a life-long New York Yankees fan. He watched their games whenever he could and took his family to see them play at the old Yankee Stadium.

John was born on August 4, 1936 in Somerville, NJ. He lived in a number of locations throughout Hunterdon County before settling in Bethlehem Township nearly 50 years ago.

Survivors include three sons, Justin W. Kary and his wife Anna of Auckland, New Zealand, Jason R. Kary and his wife Connie Suneborn of New York, NY and Jared F. Kary and his wife Erin of Rosemount, MN; three grandchildren, Isabella Kary, Abigail Kary and Rowan Kary; sisters Elizabeth (Kary) Bickel and Franciska (Kary) Temples, both of Glen Gardner; and two nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers-in-law Jim Bickel and Henry Temples, also of Glen Gardner, and nephew Bruce Temples.

He was the son of the late Frederick and Anie (Hall) Kary.

The family would like to pay special thanks to Ellie and Keith Novak for all their love and support over the years.

A life together

John passed away 18 days after his beloved wife Jacquline. They were married October 10, 1964, but they knew each other from early childhood.

In addition to creating a family, ‘the five Js’ as they were fond of calling their family, they designed and built their own house on wooded land near the town of Hampton.

In the early years of their marriage, they each worked multiple jobs to save for their house, including working together at one point for the same auctioneer which aligned to their life-long interest in antiques.

They loved traveling and went to all 50 states together, including Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary, and as far afield as New Zealand. Both enjoyed history and nature, which they explored on many travels with their family to national parks and historic sites.

Calling hours to remember John will take place on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 1-4pm with funeral service at 4pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Interment will be private.

The family invites friends and family to the Clinton House following the service to come together to remember John.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John W. Kary, please visit our floral store.