John "Johnny" Grutkowski

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved brother, son, uncle, teacher, coach and friend, Johnny, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.   Johnny was born on June 15, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was raised, lived, and worked for many years.  Later, he and his family settled in Hazlet, where he presently resided with his dear sister, Janet.

Johnny was a man with a heart of gold. He was a devoted son, a loving brother, a fun and caring uncle, and a teacher and basketball coach who touched the lives of countless young people. He gave so much of himself to the people he loved, always finding ways to make others feel important, supported and cared for.

But perhaps no one held a more special place in Johnny’s heart than his beloved brother, Bobby, who had Down Syndrome. Bobby was Johnny’s life. Their bond was something truly special – built on unconditional love, patience, laughter and countless shared memories.

Johnny never considered spending time with Bobby a chore or an obligation. It was simply what he wanted to do. Every Saturday, Johnny would make the drive to Jersey City so Bobby could do what he loved most – bowl with the Hudson County Ability League. Those Saturdays became a treasured tradition, and Johnny was always there, cheering Bobby on and making sure he had the opportunity to enjoy something that brought him happiness.

Their adventures went far beyond bowling. Johnny and Bobby loved going to Devil’s Games, and Johnny had very definite ideas about where they should sit. They needed the best seats! Upper level was a definite no-no. johnny wanted Bobby to have the best experience possible, and he made sure their game days were something special.

They also went to the movies frequently. Sometimes they enjoyed watching a movie so much that they would go back and see the same movie more than once. For Johnny, it was never about needing something new or exciting. It was about the experience with Bobby and seeing him enjoy himself. Those ordinary outings became extraordinary memories because of the love between them.

Johnny also cherished his time with his nieces and nephews. There were movies, games, rides around the city and countless little adventures. He has a way of making even a simple day together feel like something worth remembering. His greatest gift was his presence – he showed up, he listened, he laughed and he made time for the people he loved.

Johnny brought that same caring spirit to his students. At his high school, he was affectionately known as “Mr. G.” to his students, however, he was much more than a teacher. He was a mentor, a coach, a trusted listener and often a life coach. Johnny was the coach for the Girls Varsity Basketball Team at Saint Anthony Friars in Jersey City.

Johnny made time for students who were struggling. He would sit with them before or after school, listen to what was happening in their lives and offer encouragement and guidance. He cared about more than their grades. He cared about who they were, what they were going through and what they could become. He believed in his students and wanted them to believe in themselves.

That was simply who Johnny was. He cared deeply. He showed up. He gave his time. He listened. And when someone he loved needed him, Johnny was there.

His unexpected passing leaves an enormous emptiness in the hearts of his family, his students, colleagues, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. There will be countless moments when we think Johnny would have loved this, or Johnny would know what to do.

His legacy will live on in the students he encouraged, the young athletes he coached, the family he loved and most of all, in Bobby, who was such a tremendous part of his life and his heart.

Johnny gave his love freely and without hesitation. He made people feel seen, valued and cared for. He created memories that will be treasured forever.

Rest peacefully, Johnny.  You gave us a lifetime of love, laughter, memories and lessons about what it means to truly care for another person. Your heart of gold will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to love you.

Johnny was predeceased by his parents, John S. and Veronica (Costa) Grutkowski and his beloved brother, Bobby Grutkowski.  He is survived by his loving sisters, Veronica Webster and her husband James, Janet Grutkowski, and his cherished nephews and nieces, Jonathan Webster and wife Jess, Matthew Webster and wife Laura, Stephen Webster and wife Kerrie, and James Webster and wife Allie.  He also leaves behind his dear cousin, Judy DeLeonardis, and his treasured great nieces and nephews, Cayleen, Maddie, JJ, Olivia, Kayleigh, Theo, and Alex.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday, September 25th, 2026, from 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM at 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 on Friday September 24th, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733, offered by Father Pfelger from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road North Arlington, New Jersey 07031. For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.

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