John (Jack) Karlovitch

John Karlovitch Obituary 

John “Jack” J. Karlovitch passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 1, 2024. 

Born Sept. 12, 1942 to Emily (nee Walulik) and John Karlovitch, Jack was a strong-willed, vibrant individual who spent his formative years in Kearny, NJ. He is remembered for his quick wit, passion and deep love for his family. After his marriage to Kathleen Patterson, he moved to his home in Kenilworth, NJ where he raised his four children: John “Jay”, Linda, Glen and Jeffrey. While he spent most of his career in sales, he was a true “jack-of-all-trades,” dabbling in welding, construction, electric work, boxing and bartending.  

Fiercely proud of his Polish heritage, he made sure his nine grandchildren were connected to their culture through traditional Christmas Eve celebrations and the food of his childhood, most notably his personal favorite, perogies. Outside of his family, there were very few things he loved more than good food and whisky. Jack cherished summers at Seaside Heights, spending hours at wheel games trying to win Kathleen cartons of Winstons. 

A family man to the end, he spent countless hours with his nine grandchildren, passing on his love of trains, aquariums and The Jets to anyone who would listen. Jack indulged all their interests, from making the best eggplant parmesan for his vegetarian granddaughter to teaching his grandson chess. He was never one to miss a graduation or wedding, ready to dispense his nuggets of advice. In return, his grandchildren eagerly listened to his stories and indulged his fascination with collectable clown figurines and teddy bears.  

He is predeceased by his parents, sister Irene Neushafer and wife Kathleen Patterson. Jack is survived by his four children and their spouses, John “Jay” & Robin Karlovitch, Linda Karlovitch & Joseph Calello, Glen & Melissa Karlovitch and Jeffrey & Jessica Karlovitch, respectively, along with his nine grandchildren: Jessie, Terri, Sara, Emily, Kelly, Matthew, Angelina, Abigayle and Cameryn, his one great-grandchild, Aaliyah and his companion Patricia Koczon.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the Kenilworth Rescue Squad.