John Oliver Townley

SPARTA- John Oliver Townley passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, January 7, 2016. He was 85. John was born in Brooklyn, NY to Harold and Eloise (Boston) Townley. He married Maureen McGuinness on June 7, 1952.

He was a longtime resident of Sparta, NJ, and just recently moved to Randolph. He served his country proudly during the Korean War with the US Army and was employed as an insurance executive with Crum and Forster for 25 years. He later began a consulting business, Townley Consulting, prior to retiring in 1986. John was a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church and a Third Degree Member of the Marquette Council Knights of Columbus. He was also a Eucharistic Minister, and spent many wonderful years volunteering for church carnivals, assisting at bingo, and ushering at services. Along with his wife Maureen, they taught Pre-Cana classes, volunteered at Manna House and local homeless shelters. John and Maureen loved to travel and spend quality time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was loved by all, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Maureen (McGuinness) Townley, two daughters, Mary Townley, and her longtime companion Bob Cameron, and Karen Titus and her husband Daniel. Five sons, Jack and his wife Donna, Neil and his wife Diana, Bob and his wife Linda, Bill Townley, and Andy and his wife Karen. Sixteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited Tuesday Jan. 12, 2016 4~8 pm to Goble Funeral Home 22 Main Street Sparta. A 10 am Wednesday Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake RC Church 294 Newton ~ Sparta Rd Sparta followed by interment in Sparta Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Birth Haven 4 Academy St Newton, NJ 07860 or Manna House 54 High Street Newton, NJ 07860.