Obituary of John F. Hooper, Jr.

John F. Hooper, Jr., 51, of Randolph, NJ, passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2021, at Morristown Medical Center with his partner Janine by his side. Raised in Morris Township, John lived in Morristown before moving to Randolph 19 years ago. He went to Bayley Ellard High School, transferring to Morristown High School for his senior year. With a keen interest in all things automotive, he moved to Nashville to attend Nashville Auto Diesel College to hone his mechanical skills. Upon his return to New Jersey, and through his employment at local automotive shops, he earned the designation of ASE Certified Master Technician. While cars continued to be a passion, John switched gears and joined the Carpenters Union Local 620. Notable construction projects he worked on include the Goldman Sachs building in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center and the Jets training facility in Florham Park, which he particularly enjoyed because he was a lifelong Jets fan. But no description of John's life (Hoop to his good friends) would be complete without discussing his passion for cooking. Self-taught, his singular patience for developing flavors yielded truly excellent entrees, appetizers, soups and desserts. He genuinely enjoyed cooking for others and loved seeing their appreciation of his creations. John was predeceased by his father, John F. Hooper, Sr., and his sister, Denise Hooper. John is survived by his partner of 20 years, Janine “Jay” Myer and their sweet puppy Max; his mother, Pauline J. Hooper; his sisters, Karen Clayton and her husband, Jim, Cheryl Higinbotham and her husband, Jon, and Lynn Wrede and her husband, Tim. Many loving aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. to 3: 30 p.m. at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, NJ. A Service of Remembrance for John will be held immediately following at 3:30pm at Dangler’s as well. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of John to: Eleventh Hour Rescue (www.ehrdogs.rescuegroups.org).