John Verbeke

John Verbeke, 86, passed away on October 13, 2023.

John retired from the Northeast Carpenters Union where he worked as
a carpenter for more than 30 years. Born in Jersey City in 1937 to the
late Frank and Paula Verbeke, John joined the United States Navy in
1955, acting as signalman on several destroyers including the USS The
Sullivans, the USS Gainard, and the USS Hailey. John was also a
Special Police Officer in North Bergen, and a member of the Tin Can
Sailors organization.

Marrying the love of his life Christine in 1959, they spent many years
raising their family in North Bergen and in Secaucus. Later, they moved
to south Jersey to be near their children and grandchildren.

After retirement, John enjoyed vacationing with his wife Christine in
Ocean City, Maryland, and in Cape May, and playing slots in Atlantic
City. Each year he spent many hours tending his vegetable garden, and
was known for growing some of the best Jersey tomatoes around. John
will be remembered as a beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather.

John is survived by his three children Madelyn Bythell and her husband
Tom, Vicky McErlean, Michael Verbeke and his wife Dawn. Also
surviving is his sister Mariette Muller, nieces Dana and Kathleen,
nephew Billy, sister-in-law Beverly Pinto, and his four grandchildren
Abigail, Robert, Amanda, and Matthew. John is predeceased by his wife
Christine and nephew Mark.

A gathering of friends and family will take place between 1 p.m. and 3
p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill
Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to Best
Friends Animal Society at https://bestfriends.org/ or to Tin Can Sailors
at https://www.destroyers.org/donate/.