Obituary of John Alfred Seitz

Jack died peacefully on May 21st at the remarkable age of 91. Born in Edgewater, New Jersey to the late John and Emily (Ihle) Seitz, Jack spent his early childhood years in Edgewater. Following his graduation from Bergenfield High School, where he played basketball and baseball, Jack joined the Navy where he served a tour of duty as a Radioman on the USS Sea Robin Submarine and USS Ciro during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and began his career in data processing at New Jersey Bell Company which later became AT&T. Jack graduated from Rutgers University.

Personable and athletic, Jack developed lifelong friendships through his love for baseball and golf. At 6’2” and a lefty, he was a killer pitcher but also so humble and kind that even those he struck out loved him. Through a dear friend and teammate, he was introduced to the love of his life, Maureen (McClinchy). He and “Peachy” enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage. They settled in Florham Park near Maureen’s parents, the late Edward and Dorothy McClinchy and sister, the late Barbara (McClinchy) Allen, to raise their two children - Debra and Jack. Jack relished in his role as a dad. His years of coaching CYO basketball, soccer, softball and baseball and serving as Indian Princesses & Indian Guides’ “Chief” brought him so much joy. Jack was also active in his community and was a founding member of the Florham Park Rotary. His personality and passion were instilled in his children - passing his humor, horrific singing voice and love of cooking onto Deb; and his calm demeanor and love of the ocean and baseball onto Jack. They have countless memories of vacations at Lake Ossipee, NH and Lavallette, NJ and frequent trips to Spring Lake to visit with their dear friends Judy and the late Jerry Hughes. Jack will be remembered for his submarine stories, his infamous name mistakes (Arkansas Smith = Indiana Jones), his love of every cooking gadget imaginable - as well as his gentle nature, warm heart and deep love and loyalty to his family. He will be greatly missed. 

Jack is survived by his wife Maureen, of Florham Park, and his daughter Debra, of Madison, NJ, his son Jack and daughter-in-law Kerry, of Winchester, MA, and his nephew Jim Allen and wife Stephanie, of Florham Park. He is predeceased by his brothers Ronny & Richard. Jack also leaves behind 3 grandsons who adored their “Papa” - Thomas, Noah and Luke Seitz, of Winchester, MA, three grand-nieces - Kaelyn, Norah & Harper Allen, of Florham Park, and nieces and nephews - Brigitte Seitz Council, Maria Martinez, David Seitz, and Tammy Seitz Fraga. There will be a celebration of life mass at Holy Family Church in Florham Park on June 15, 2024 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory can be made to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org).