John Joseph Mowad, Sr. of Kearny, N.J. passed away at the age of 97 on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at his home of 58 years, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren.

John was born in Newark, New Jersey on April 21, 1918 to John J. and Selma (nee Gabriel) Mouawad. A member of the Greatest Generation, PFC John J. Mowad proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, as a member of the 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, 7th Army, a unit that served with distinction in the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Forest) and afterwards played a major role, under General Patton, in defeating the German Army in 1945. He earned the Expert Rifleman and Combat Infantry Badges, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, as well as the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with two service stars, American Campaign, World War II Victory and the Army of Occupation, Germany medals.

Throughout his career he was a highly skilled machinist, lathe operator and tool-and-die maker until his retirement at the age of 68 from Acme Tool-and-Die Company in Kearny. As a machinist he served in U.S. Army Ordinance prior to his transfer to the Infantry in 1944. He was also a talented and accomplished mechanic, carpenter and handyman. He loved playing the piano, listening to country music and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never met a dog he didn't love and every dog he had loved him in return. Great canine loves of his life included Topsy, who lived 21 years, Princess, Pepsi, Candy, Thor and Murff.

John was the beloved husband of Ruth (nee Price) Mowad for 42 years until her passing in April, 1990 and is survived by five devoted children: John J. Mowad, Jr. & his wife Sarah Hotchkiss of Winooski, Vermont; Linda M. Mowad of Kearny; Catherine Mowad-Kazmierski & her husband John Kazmierski of Harrison; Janice Mowad-Sylvia of Kearny and Ronald M. Mowad, Sr. & his wife Mary Kirbos-Mowad of Union. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Jason, Damien & his fiancé Jill, Melissa & her fiancé EJ, Michael & his fiancé Kate, Christina, Ron & Jennifer as well as three great-grandchildren, Brielle, Hailey, and Mykayla.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny.

The funeral will be on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Stephen R.C. Church, Kearny Avenue, Kearny (at the corner of Laurel Avenue).

Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington.

Please visit www.mowadfuneralservice.com for directions to the funeral home, church, cemetery and repast. On line condolence messages may also be placed on this web site.

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