Obituary of John W. Wilhelm

John W. Wilhelm, of Weymouth, MA formerly of Hopatcong passed away Saturday, November 1 at West Roxbury Veteran's Hospital in Massachusetts. He was 73. Born in Jersey City on January 29, 1941 to the late John and Mary Wilhelm, John moved to Hopatcong In 1965 where he lived for many years prior to moving to Massachusetts. John was a Navy Veteran serving on the USS English from 1958 to 1962. He worked for New Jersey Bell as a Communications Emergency Lineman before retiring 35 years ago and he also worked at Leber-Lakeside Funeral for more than 25 years. He was a fireman in Rochelle Park before joining the volunteer fire company in Hopatcong in 1972 where he belonged to Fire Company #4 and #3. John was a County Fire Instructor in Sussex County for air pack, rescue, pit fires and teaching in the smoke house for 15 years. He was a member of the Hopatcong Fire Department Exempt Association, Hopatcong Ambulance Squad for 7 years, USS English DD 696 Association and the Tin Can Sailors Association. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Beloved husband of Sharon Granahan-Wilhelm. Loving father and step-father of John Wilhelm and his wife Noel, Steven and his wife Diane Acierno and Mark and his wife Trish Acierno. Cherished grandfather and step-grandfather of Justin Wilhelm, Lena Wilhelm, Alex Acierno and Gabby Acierno. Dear brother of Carol and her husband Greg. Also survived by his nieces Stacy and Kristy and many friends and family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John's Life Celebration on Friday, November 7 from 4 to 8pm with a Fire Fighters Service at 7:00pm at the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ 07850. A funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, November 8 at 10:00am at St. Jude RC Church, Hopatcong. Following Mass, last call for John will take place at Fire Company #3 in Hopatcong. John will be laid to rest on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 1:15pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Fisher House Foundation at www.fisherhouse.org. or the Hopatcong Fire Company #3 or #4.