JOHN F. ANDERSON

John F. (Evan) Anderson, 90 years, passed away at his residence in Wayne, NJ on November 23, 2017 the morning of Thanksgiving, after a battle with cancer. He was born on June 28, 1927 in Rochester, PA to Kathryn (nee Mullen) and Joseph Ebert Anderson, and was the fifth of 10 children. John went to St. Cecilia’s School through eighth grade and then went on to study for the priesthood at St. FIdelis Capuchin Franciscan Seminary in Herman, PA. Upon completion of his seminary studies, John was ordained “Father Evan” at the Cathedral in Washington, DC in 1953. He served as a priest in Utuado, Puerto Rico and worked specifically with the poor and elderly. Following 18 years as a missionary priest, John decided to return to secular life and lived for a time with his brother, Dick, his wife Margie and their 5 children. He later moved to Philadelphia and continued his lifelong passion of helping people through his work in social services. While in Philadelphia serving in the local church, he met his soon to be wife, Mary Foody. They enjoyed a long, devoted marriage as they very much enjoyed each other's company and cared deeply for each other. John was most dearly loved by all with whom he came in contact. He was a very rare person...he seldom uttered an unkind word and spent his life serving His Lord through loving and caring for the needy and forgotten. His heart was beyond measure and his standard of character was of the highest level of compassion, grace, tenderness and a lot of humor. John is survived by his wife, Mary, at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ, and sister-in-law Marjorie Anderson of Schenectady, NY. He leaves behind 26 nieces and nephews, 56 great nieces and nephews, and a growing number of great, great nieces and nephews who will dearly miss him. Their greatest comfort is that he is now home and in the presence of the One whom he loved so passionately. They treasure the many years of special times with their Uncle John. He loved to bring treats and always had something uniquely special for either the family or the individual child. Today he has found ultimate peace and rest. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 9am to 10am at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 La Rue Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435 (GPS use 1 Post Place). The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 11am at St. Mary's Church, 17 Pompton Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. Final disposition will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org. Log onto www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com tribute wall to personally post your condolences, memories, photos, and videos, as well as obtaining driving directions to the funeral home and church.

JOHN F. ANDERSON

June 28, 1927 - November 23, 2017