John Wood Goldsack

Age 65
Somerville

John Wood Goldsack, (The Hon. Canon) , 65, entered into eternal rest suddenly over Christmas. He is survived by two beloved children, Dorothy-Jane Colleen Goldsack Porpeglia (Theodore) and Kevin Grant Goldsack (Hugh Graham, and companion Michael Athanasatos); two cherished grandchildren, Grace-Ann Colleen & Amelia-Hope Helene Porpeglia, who affectionately named him “BaBa”; an adoring sister, Caryle Wolahan Steggall (Stuart); two loving nephews, Timothy Hussey (Kimberly) and Justin Gaumond; a loving niece, Stephanie Gaumond; his precious new canine companion, Snickers; and many other family members and devoted friends, including David Hind.

Born in Somerville, NJ, John attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, where he met his wife of 40 years, Colleen Madden Goldsack, who predeceased him in November, 2011. They met through choir tour and shared a lifelong love of music. Their daughter continued the tradition, also graduating from their alma mater. Following his college graduation, John attended Rutgers Law School in Camden, NJ and dedicated his professional career to the private practice of law. He particularly enjoyed being able to give of his time, talent and treasure to the Episcopal Church. He served the Diocese of New Jersey for many years in countless capacities, including many years of service as Vice Chancellor and then Chancellor. He was also active in the wider Church, having achieved Senior Deputy status at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. He was happy to have returned to his childhood parish, St. John’s, Somerville, NJ for the last few years of his life. Previously, he had been an active member of Holy Cross, North Plainfield, where he had served on the Vestry and as Warden. He gave selflessly to the Church. His contributions to the Church were highly valued, and he will be greatly missed. John also greatly enjoyed his time on both Halsey Island and Raccoon Island at Lake Hopatcong, and his countless boat rides and hours on the water there. For many years, he had been an active member of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, the Plainfield Rotary and other community organizations.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 158 West High Street, Somerville, NJ on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive family and friends before the service from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Church, and again immediately after the service. A private interment of his ashes will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hartwick College, One Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820; St. John’s Episcopal Church, 158 West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876; or The Diocese of New Jersey, 808 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08618-5326.