Obituary of John Allen Grip

John Allen Grip passed peacefully on January 21, 2022 after a long illness with Parkinsons. He shared 79 years of laughter, love and wonderful memories with family and friends.

John was born in Hackensack and grew up in Secaucus to the late Cecelia (Custy) and John Grip.  He shared many happy childhood memories with his sister Barbara.

After high school John went to college to study engineering and then decided it wasn’t for him and joined the US Navy.  After his honorable discharge he found his true passion.  He returned to college and graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Communication Design.  A creative and energetic man, he loved working with people and grew to be the Creative Design Director for Consumer Products at American Cyanimid.  Later in his life he continued his love of design in his own business JA Grip & Co.

He was a true sports enthusiast who loved skiing, hiking, sailing, playing tennis and golf.  When his boys were young he loved coaching their soccer and baseball teams and teaching them how to sail.  He set an example to be of service and help people, most recently volunteering at the Denville Food Pantry.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne (Foley) and his sons Sean and Kari Grip.

He was a loving son in law to Helen Foley and to his sisters and brothers in law Bob (Linda) Foley, Don Foley, Suzanne Foley, Claire Foley and Lynn McAndrew (Pat).  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Janna (Dave), Dorer, Skye Foley, Kate, Ryan and Aidan McAndrew and Steven Smith (Nadine). John also leaves many memories
to the Smith nieces and nephews; Debbie Lamotta (Tommy) Darryl (Rosemary) Smith Lori (Glenn) DiFilippi Melissa, Kathleen Zirpoli (Ross)and Scott Smith.         

Donations in his memory may be made to the good work of the VNA Hospice, vnannj.org or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research, michaeljfox.org

A Celebration of John's life will take place this summer.  Please check back for those details.  They will be posted here as they become available.