John Rex

John Richard Rex, 91, of Lakewood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, February 4, 2022. John lived a long and happy life, even after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease, which he fought bravely for many years. Unanimously described as “funny as hell,” John was always the life of the party and will be greatly missed.

Born and raised in Staten Island, North Shore, New York to Wilson Aloysius Rex, II and Anna M. Rex, nee Griffith. John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1948. He was stationed at numerous bases throughout the United States, Europe, United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia throughout his military career. While stationed in Germany, he met and married the love of his life, his one and only, Maria. Together they built a life that they loved. In 1965, John, Maria, and their four children moved to Bricktown, New Jersey, where they made their home. John often said, Bricktown reminded him of growing up in Staten Island back in the days when the island consisted of forests, wildlife, farms, beaches, family-oriented happenings, exciting sports, mom-and-pop stores, trusted neighbors, and good times. In 1993, John and Maria moved to the Original Leisure Village in Lakewood, New Jersey, enjoying more friendships and good times.

John served our country honorably for 20 years, From and On: The Berlin Airlift, To and In: Nakhon Phanom, Thailand during the Vietnam War. In Thailand, his mission was to establish the Procurement Offices at the Royal Thai Air Force bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn Takhli, Korat and Don Muange. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he went on to become a Contracting Officer with the Department of Defense at McGuire Air Force Base and Fort Dix Army Base. Then, John worked as a Contract Administrator for the State of New Jersey in Trenton. Still not ready to fully retire, he acquired his Commercial Driver License and worked for Murphy Bus Company safely driving children to their destinations.

In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing with his sons and the Lakehurst Blitz, watching Tiger Woods golf, watching football and baseball (all levels), reading detective novels, gardening (especially with the OLV Farm Club), playing roulette and craps in Atlantic City, going to the movie theater, listening to all kinds of music, traveling to undiscovered paradises, bowling, and grilling in the summer. But, most of all, John loved a room full of laughter and smiles. He was an avid animal rescuer saving many cats, dogs, other furry and feathered friends.

Loving husband of the late Maria Rex; and dear father of the late Werner L. Rex and the late Karl W. Rex. John is survived by a son, John R. Rex Jr. and his wife, Cristie G. Rex, of Orlando, Florida; a daughter, Lisa H. Capozzoli of Bricktown, New Jersey; eight grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren, who he adored. John is also survived by a sister, Emily Frances Cook of North Carolina.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the D’Elia Funeral Home, Route 70 & Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, New Jersey. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at dignitymemorial.com.

GOD bless our Veterans and Armed Forces.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DEliaFuneralHome.com for the Rex family.