John Joseph Dillenschneider

Known by everyone he met as JJ, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 60 years, Theresa (nee Brennan), as well as his parents, John V. and Margaret and his three brothers, Edward, Leo “Budd” and William.

He is survived by his loving children, Karen Colella (Harry) and John, Jr. “Jay” (Debbie); as well as his treasured grandson, Kyle John Cutler and many nieces and nephews.

JJ grew up in Camden, NJ. He graduated from St. Joseph’s of Camden High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He left home at age 17 to serve his country in the National Guard and United States Army during the Korean War, where he was also a member of the 3rd Army all-star baseball team and Army reserves championship basketball team. Taking advantage of the GI bill, JJ went on to earn a degree in accounting from Drexel University, Philadelphia, an MBA and PhD. from Temple University, Philadelphia, and a PhD. from Nova Southeastern University, Virginia. JJ was a 1964 recipient of the William Childs Drexel Memorial Scholarship for academic achievement, as well as a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society. He had a successful business career, working as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and equity partner in several manufacturing companies. He was very proud to receive the highest average state passing grade in the 1966 CPA exam, and also earned his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designations.

During his time in the Army, stationed in New Cumberland, PA, he met his wife Terri, a nursing student, and they eventually settled in South Jersey. JJ traveled extensively for business and Terri worked as a nurse while raising Karen and Jay. For over five decades, JJ’s favorite spot was on the 50-yard line and at center court, cheering on his beloved Villanova Wildcats. An ardent sports fan, the family attended hundreds of Villanova and Phillies games together. They also traveled to many swim meets to watch Karen and Jay compete, and have fond memories of trips to Florida, Costa Rica, Cancun and Nevada.

Upon his retirement, JJ assumed his greatest role ever as Ahda, the name Kyle gave to his grandfather as a toddler. Ahda loved spending time with his “chum”, cruising on his lawn mower, playing ball outside, trips to Disney World, riding bikes in Margate, and later in life, as Kyle’s chauffeur and #1 fan, never missing one of his basketball or baseball games. JJ will best be remembered as a devoted Ahda who had a larger-than-life smile, a keen wit, incredible business acumen and an often-outlandish sense of humor.

At JJ’s request, interment is private. Donations in JJ’s honor can be made to the Theresa M. Dillenschneider Memorial Scholarship in Nursing at Rowan University, c/o Rowan University Foundation, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028.