John E. Veprek, Jr. age 76 of Point Pleasant passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on December 28, 2022 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He was born to Ruth and John Veprek Sr. in Hackensack on August 29,1946. John attended Hackensack High School and studied Marine and Power Engineering at SUNY Maritime College, graduating in 1968. Later, he obtained a Masters in Business at New Jersey Institute of Technology. He moved to the Shore 50 years ago to start a family with the love of his life and best friend, Ellen.

John was honorably discharged as a lieutenant in the Navy Reserves and had a lifelong career at PSEG as an engineer. He dedicated his life to the BPO ELKS where he was a passionate and quintessential member, State and District Trainer, PSP and PGLC for over 40 years. He selflessly volunteered countless hours for the Veterans Committee, Drug Awareness Conference, Membership and Special Needs Children Committee and managed the largest fluke tournament on the East Coast for the past 25 years, all in the name of benevolence. “Johnny Fish” was also an avid fisherman, obtained his Captain’s License and cherished his time out on the ocean with dear friends.

John was a loving husband, an irreplaceable father, a great humanitarian and a treasured mentor and father figure to many. His heart was big and he loved big. He truly was the salt of the earth. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, unprecedented leadership and brotherhood, many treasured dad jokes and priceless wisdom that will be passed down for generations.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Ellen Veprek and two daughters, Mary Ellen Madden and Katie Veprek Stokes and husband Tim, brother Craig Veprek and wife Marianne, four adored grandchildren: Bryan, Kaili, Finnegan and Emerson and his nieces Janet Magley (Ryan), Diana Moran (Kieran) and nephews David Veprek (Tina) and Paul Veprek (Heather).

Captain John’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Manasquan Elks on Sunday, January 15th, 2023 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm with an ELKS ceremony beginning at 1:45pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to “Point Pleasant Elks Charities” to continue to support our special needs community in Point Pleasant (Point Pleasant Elks #1698, 820 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant NJ 08742).

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.obrienfuneralhome.com