- Date Of Birth: November 11, 1929
- Date Of Death: October 25, 2013
- State: New Jersey
John J. Birofka, 83, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, October 25, 2013.
Born and raised in Summit, NJ, John lived in Chatham, NJ before moving to Seaside Park 20 years ago. For his entire working career, Mr. Birofka was employed with CIBA-Geigy in Summit. He retired in 1994 after 43 years. An Army veteran, John proudly served his country at home and in Europe from 1949-1953. Mr. Birofka was a faithful member of St. Patrick Church, Chatham and St. Catherine of Siena Church in Seaside Park where he served as an usher. His community activities included membership in the Democratic Club of Seaside Park. Like his brothers before him, John was a talented golfer.
He played in company tournaments in his younger years and as part of a dedicated foursome during his retirement. An avid sports fan, John derived great pleasure from watching baseball, at the ballpark as well as on TV. He particularly enjoyed reminiscing about his visits to the old New York stadiums, especially the Polo Grounds, home to his favorite team, the New York Giants, and his favorite player, Willie Mays. John was the father of Judy (Peter) Brown of Dyersburg, TN, John (Genevieve) of Madison, NJ, and Jim of Seaside Park. He will be remembered lovingly by his grandchildren Matt (Nikki), Caroline, Jack, and Anne Elyse and by his great-grandson, Lane.
He is also survived by two sisters, Mae Kane and Carolyn Ryan, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. John is now reunited with his beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley, who passed away in April, 2013. He was also predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Caroline Birofka, and his brothers and sisters, William, Matthew, Joseph, Vera Siergiej, Julia Moore, and Amelia Lloyd.
