Obituary of John "Jack" Ennis

John “Jack” Ennis

We are honored to know that so many people loved Dad as much as we did. Many people have described Dad as a “great guy”, and we agree. He could be reserved and quiet but was quick to laugh and make others laugh. He was frugal, but always generous. He had a sensitive side and taught us to be respectful and compassionate to everyone. Dad’s 35 years teaching made a difference for thousands of middle school boys and girls with his easy use of humor and unconditional regard. We are so very sad that he is gone, and the ache of losing him too soon will not pass quickly, but we are delighted to know he touched each and everyone one of you as a Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Co-worker, Neighbor, Friend, and “Bro”.

With Much Love, Karen Aguanno, Mark Ennis, and Matthew Ennis

John “Jack” E. Ennis ~ November 1, 1941 – October 15, 2018 ~ was 76 years old, he lived in Hillsborough for over 30 years. Jack previously resided in Bridgewater and North Plainfield, NJ, after moving from Mansfield, PA where he had lived since, he was a child, attending both school and college there.

Jack is predeceased by Mother, Dorothy (Warburton), and Father, Henry, of Ligonier and Mansfield, PA, and his Brother, Joseph of Denver, CO.  He leaves behind Daughter, Karen Aguanno and her husband, Vinny, of Ottsville, PA. Son, Mark and his wife Debbi, of Hillsborough, NJ. Son, Matthew, of Boston, MA. His sister, Joanne Leipold of Jamison, PA. As well as nieces, Susan and Lisa, and grandchildren, Jack, Ryan, and Sean. He married and then divorced, Laurel Ennis and Nina Ferraro.

Jack taught Math for 35 year at Hubbard Middle School in Plainfield, NJ, after achieving BS in Education in the subjects of science, mathematics, and biology, from Mansfield State College, and he also earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Rutgers University. Jack always worked a second job and was a night manager at Mr. Bees Restaurant and at several liquor stores in Raritan and Hillsborough.

Jack was an avid fisherman, loved horses, harness racing and old blues/jazz music. He read the newspaper and completed jumble puzzles every day and could often be found enjoying a sausage and long hots sandwich at Michael’s Inn in Raritan. Jack enjoyed a variety of sports, including routing against the NY Yankees. As a child he played in little league and was an excellent basketball player in high school. When he moved to NJ, he took up playing tennis and frequently played with his good friend, Stan Davis, who he missed very much when he predeceased him. Jack also loved racquetball and often enjoyed a good game before school. Jack cared for his family deeply. Some even know he had a tattoo of his grandchildren’s names, “the boys”, placed on his inner arm, a few years ago, in his 70’s!

"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."

~ William Penn