Obituary of John Howard Link

John Howard Link, 79, of Newton, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville.

Born in Riverdale, MD, John spent 20 years in Sparta, NJ, before making Newton his home for the past 23 years. He was the son of the late Howard J. Link and Grace A. (Kraft) Link.

John was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather who took immense pride in his work at AIG. His career allowed him to travel the world, and his dedication to his job was unwavering. In later years, he and the love of his life, Gayle, discovered a shared love for boating, a hobby they both enjoyed together.

John cherished every moment spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and sisters. He was always the first to offer a helping hand to friends and family in need, consistently putting others before himself. In times of crisis, John was a steady, fearless leader who inspired those around him.

He loved reminiscing about the “good old days,” often retelling his favorite stories — even though everyone had heard them hundreds of times before. Somehow, his joy in telling them made you love hearing them just as much as he loved sharing them. The greatest joys of his life were raising his family and being an active part of his grandchildren’s lives. Sundays were often spent watching football and cooking comfort food for his loved ones, moments that perfectly reflected his love of family and togetherness. John also had a lifelong love of music, often playing his favorite artists on the home stereo, filling the house with melodies; those who knew him will forever treasure the way his impeccable taste in music enriched everyday moments and created lasting memories.

John’s courage, wisdom, and honor were tested early in life while serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, shaping him into the remarkable man so deeply loved and admired by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of many years, Gayle Elaine (Lewis) Link, in 2020. John is survived by his daughter Virginia and her husband Michael Erianne of Denville, NJ; his son Christopher and his wife Colleen Link of Fort Mill, SC; and his cherished grandchildren Alyssa Grace Erianne of Denville, NJ, Jordan London of Parsippany, NJ, and Ryan London of Morristown, NJ. He is also survived by his sisters Judith Von Itter of Denville, NJ, and Sheila Tarantula of West Orange, NJ; and his sister-in-law Elizabeth Deluca of Florida.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ www.normandean.com.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ.

John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love of adventure, and the warmth he shared with all who knew him.