Concurrently, he worked weekends as maitre d' at the Sunrise Village in Bellmore and later at the Bavarian Inn in Ronkonkoma NY. In 1973 he started his second career as proprietor of the Island Squire Restaurant in Middle Island NY. From 1973-1991 he created a one of a kind establishment marrying entertainment with fine dining. Each weekend he would put his immense vocal talent on display with the help of his friends in the Perry Lane Orchestra. Many weddings were hosted and many great times were had. Upon the shuttering of the business, he once again returned to performing by heading the National Touring Company production of 'Man of La Mancha". Lastly, he returned to his true love, teaching music. From 2000-2012 he taught 7th and 8th grade music at Kittatinny and Bloomfield Regional Junior High School. He directed many NYC bus trips for NJ parents and students alike to enjoy the magic of Broadway in person. Every year he would lend his talents to the role of Santa in the school's Christmas concert, a role he loved to play. Upon retiring, he enjoyed golf with his 3 sons and his pals Bud Chase and Gerry Huelbig. He enjoyed many trips with his wife Maureen to Newport Rhode Island, a place they both loved. Along with his daughter Laurie, Jan made a pilgrimage to Holland, his father's birthplace where they discovered WILGENKAMP street! He was famous for his daily phone calls to family and friends alike. He very much loved to check in with everyone and very much cherished spending time with the grandchildren Avery, Zoe, Jasper and Ryan. They filled his heart with love.
But mostly, he never got tired of sharing his greatest gift, performing and that beautiful voice.
Jan was predeceased by his beloved parents Jan Wilgenkamp and Madeline DeLavore, and his brother Richard. He is survived by his loving wife Maureen and her daughter Kym Frank, husband John Pierce and their children Zoe and Jasper as well as her son Matt Frank and his daughter Avery. Jan is also survived by his 5 children, sons Chris, Steven & Paul and daughters Tracey and Laurie as well as granddaughters Victoria and Ryan. In addition, he had a wonderful group of extended cousins, the Sicilian connection, including Diane Illiano Yonkers of Chicago, Ill, Dick Lavelle of Los Angeles, CA, Tony and Louis Gianaola of Las Vegas, NV as well as a Dutch contingent headed by distant cousin Marja Wilgenkamp.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2019 from 5 - 9PM at Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jan's memory would be greatly appreciated to either of the following organizations: ACC C.U.R.E., 6 West Lake Drive, Montville, NJ 07045 or Kittatinny Regional High School Att: Betty Scymanski, 77 Hallsey Rd., Newton, NJ 07860.
DONS
ACC C.U.R.E.6 West Lake Drive, Montville, NJ 07045
Kittatiny Regional H.S.Att:Betty Scymanski, 77 Hallsey Toad, Newton, NJ 07860
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