John F. Curran Jr.

John F. Curran Jr., 72, of Toms River Twp. passed away on Friday, April 26th, 2024 in Toms River Twp. John was born on June 26th, 1951 in Jersey City, NJ, to parents John F. and Maryann (nee Starnes) Curran. John grew up in downtown Jersey City where he attended both St. Mary’s and Ferris high schools. After high school, John attended Jersey City State College where he studied political science and became interested in acting. During his college performances, John met his future wife, Annette. After college, John moved to California to pursue a career in acting. In his thirteen years on the west coast, John played several roles in movies. In 1986, John left California and relocated to Ridgefield Park, NJ. At a family wedding, John reunited with Annette: they were married in 1987. He and Annette returned to California. It was there that they had their two sons, John and Anthony. In 1994, John and his family returned to New Jersey and settled in Toms River. John was a hard worker. It was common for him to work two jobs simultaneously. He worked as a server at the Crystal Diner and Silverton Diner in Toms River and Caffrey’s Steak House in Forked River. After his home was damaged from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, John and Annette moved to Holiday City at Berkeley. It was here that he remained until his passing.

John was known by his friends and family as "Johnny short pants", because no matter the weather, he always wore shorts and "Johnny papers" because he read at least three newspapers every day. He enjoyed drinking Bud Light and patronizing his favorite eating establishments, the Old Time Tavern, the Office Lounge, and the Happy Hour in Holiday City. Whenever he had the opportunity, John spent many hours on the water on his boat with his dog Mitzie; this is where he found true peace. John was also a Knights Templar and chaplain of the Harmony-Sunrise Mason Lodge #18 in Toms River for the past 15 years. Although he enjoyed many activities, he most cherished spending time with his wife, children and grandson, Patrick. John will truly be missed by all those that knew and loved him.

John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Annette (nee Haberstroh), his sons, John F. Curran III and his partner, Nicole and Anthony Curran and his wife, Samantha, his grandson, whom he cherished, Patrick and siblings, Michael, Thomas, Joseph, James, Kevin, William, Timothy, and Mary Evelyn as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing for John on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ 08759. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in memory of John to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org/donate) or the Shriners Children’s Hospital (lovetotherescue.org). Condolences and tributes can be left for the Curran family on this website.