Obituaries

In Memorium: Fair Havenite John Egger, 73

He was known as the Great Pumpkin, the NJ Goaltending Legend. He was an artist. He was a U.S. Marine. He was a police officer. He was an animal lover. He was a Fair Havenite with a big heart. He was John Egger and he passed away on Dec. 12. He was 73.

The news of John’s death prompted a flood of social media posts calling for a fitting tribute to a man many said gave much of himself to his family, friends and community. “John will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity, witty personality and sense of humor by all those who knew him,” his obituary said. “He will also be remembered for his amazing Halloween decorations each year. “

John was known as The Great Pumpkin because of that annual extravagant Halloween at his Fair Haven home. Dubbed The Halloween House, the Hance Road home that he and his wife decorated drew droves of kids. “He and Marti his wife tirelessly put on a big Halloween show every year because they loved seeing the kids faces when they turned up (in droves),” Fair Havenite Sue Cade said in a post. “So sad to see a big character leave Fair Haven, Rest in Peace John.”

In the hockey world, he was known as a legend, namely, the NJ Goaltending Legend, and was “full of life.. and, of course, full love for his family … and let’s not forget, hockey,” a friend said.

From his obituary …

John born in Baltimore City, MD to Walter and Elizabeth “Bette” (Kallas) Egger.

John served in the U.S Marines during the Vietnam War. He was employed by the Baltimore City Police Department following his Marine Corp service. Later, he worked as a NJ Transit police officer, retiring after 25 years.

John was a talented artist and passionate about playing goalie in ice hockey where he was known as “EGGY.” He was a World War II history buff and enjoyed collecting World War II memorabilia and attending military shows. 

John is predeceased by his brother, Anthony.

He is survived by: his beloved wife of 35 years, Margaret “Marti” (Sarason) Egger; his sister-in-law, Lindi Sarason; his son, Michael; his brother, Joseph, and sister-in-law Joy; nieces Lindsey and Alison and brother Patrick. 

Additional “special” family members include: his niece Karen and brother-in-law Michael and their daughter Lexi, Jerry Leonard, Lara Mitchell and Tony Griest and their daughter Katherine.

Visitation will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, on Thursday, Dec. 19, 4 to 8 p.m. with a service beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in John’s memory to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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