John "Jack" Waugh

John C. Waugh, 50, of Aberdeen, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Monmouth Medical Center surrounded by his loving family, after courageously fighting an illness resulting from his heroic work as a first responder at Ground Zero during the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center.  

John, better known as “Jack” by his family and friends, was born on November 11, 1966 in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he spent his early childhood years.  In 1976 at the age of 10, Jack and his family settled in Hazlet, New Jersey, where he remained until meeting the love of his life, Megann Donlon. In 1997,  Jack and Megann were married and began their life together.  They settled in Aberdeen, New Jersey and 5 years ago welcomed their little girl Charlotte Grace Waugh into the world, who was the light of Jack’s life.

Throughout Jack’s life, he worked for Local Union #40, where he helped build the landscape of New York City.  Jack took great pride in his career as an iron worker, building the city that he loved with his father and his Local 40 brothers.  He never saw anything in life as an obstacle, only as an opportunity to drive change and propel progress.  He was always optimistic and would find some form of light or positivity, even in the worst situations.  Jack was driven by a strong moral compass to always do what was right, and he lived life as we all should: with faith, love and laughter.

Jack always had a smile, joke, or kind word for everyone he met, and was famously known for his quick wit and one-of-a-kind “Jack-isms.” With an ever-present smile, Jack’s life was a testimony; it was powerful, tender, and fierce. Through Jack, we were blessed to learn what it is like to live a life of courage, strength, perseverance, and faith. He will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his “True Companion” Megann; his heart, Charlotte Grace; his loving and inspiring parents, Jack and Roberta (Berckman) Waugh; and his dear siblings, Robyn Hernandez (Ed), Karen Hertzke (Bill), and Raymond Waugh (Liz).  He is also survived by his dear sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susan Banzaca (Billy), Kerry Ansell (Danny), Brian Donlon, and Maryann Zielenski (Joe), along with 16 cherished nieces and nephews, and 10 adored great nieces and nephews.

The overwhelming love and support he received daily from his relatives and dear friends helped carry him through this journey. The care provided to him by the doctors, nurses and hospital caregivers touched him beyond words. He is smiling down on all of you.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Monday morning, April 3, 2017 from 9:00 to 9:45 AM at the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday morning, April 3, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733. You can help keep Jack’s memory alive in Charlotte’s eyes by writing her a letter about this amazing man she calls Daddy. In respect of his family’s wishes, Jack will be privately cremated.  In loving memory of Jack and his work as a first responder during 9/11, family and friends are invited to make a memorial contribution to the “Feal Good Foundation.”  To donate, please visit: http://fealgoodfoundation.com.  For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit: www.shorepointfh.com.

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