Obituary of John Gregory Armeno

JOHN GREGORY ARMENO BOROUGH OF HOPATCONG John Gregory Armeno passed away at the age of 83 on November 23, 2021, at VNA Hospice, St. Clare’s Dover, with his loving family by his side. He was born March 10, 1938 in Newark, NJ to Gregory and Catherine (Lellio) Armeno. John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dorothy (Kunzman) Armeno, daughters Deborah (Malani), Diana (Jill), and Dawn (Joseph), grandchildren Devin, Hunter, Tylor, Dylon, Brooke, Anthony and Brian and great granddaughter Maria. He has two nieces Sherry and Robin, many cousins, friends and colleagues and his very special four-legged faithful companion Clark. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Angelina and his parents. He was a graduate of McKinley Elementary School, Newark Barringer High School and County College of Morris. John proudly served his country in the US Army, stationed in Germany. He returned from service and began his very long dedication in law enforcement which continued throughout his life. He began his extensive career in the East Orange Police Department for 29 ½ years, holding various ranks from Patrolman to Captain. He was part of the Pistol Team, was a Hostage Negotiator, and was an outstanding supervisor and leader of the Department. He retired from the Department and began a second career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department where he was Warden of the jail, Undersheriff for Court Administration and appointed to serve on the Constitutional Officer’s Association of NJ and the National Sheriff’s Association. After servicing 19 years for the Sheriff’s Department, he was appointed as Executive Director of the NJ Sheriff’s Association, where he proudly served until his passing. John’s passion as a proud public servant led him to serve as Councilman for the Borough of Hopatcong for 24 years, serving on many committees and board, including representing the Borough on a County level. He was recently named the 2021 Male Senior of the Year in Hopatcong, an honor so deserving of a man who played a major participating role in the Borough’s activities including coaching Little League, soccer, track, parades, firehouse functions, Christmas and Hanuka lightings, and Veteran’s Day ceremonies. He also was a founding member of the Hopatcong High School Band Parents Association. John loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and acquaintances. He enjoyed the camaraderie with people from all walks of life and made all feel a warmth from his caring manner. Being a deeply religious man, he supported Saint Jude Church as a Cantor, Lector, Usher, CCD and Confirmation Teacher. John worshipped his wife Dot and his entire family and he will be truly missed, never forgotten and always loved by all those whose lives he touched. John's Life Celebration will include visiting on Sunday November 28, 2021 from 2:00 - 7:00 PM at the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday November 29, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Jude RC Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ. John will be laid to rest at Stanhope Union Cemetery following Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.