John F. Van Thol, of Leonia, age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026. Born in Oranjestad, Aruba to the late Mathilda (nee De Jong) Van Thol and the late Sherlock Van Thol, John was the devoted brother to Lydia Contuzzi, Myra Van Thol and her husband Jay Wolferman, and Gary Van Thol and his wife Laura. He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephews, Michelle, Diane (Vin), Jake, Rachel, Rocco, Natalie and Ariana and his dear longtime friend Jeanette Rivera.

John proudly served as a plane mechanic in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. John worked for many years as a Technician for Verizon before enjoying his well earned retirement. A skilled pilot, John enjoyed flying planes out of Teterboro Airport. He found joy in the thrill of taking a chance at the card tables in Atlantic City, where he relished the excitement of the games just as much as the company of fellow players, he had a deep fondness for classic western films, word puzzles and a lifelong passion for the New York Giants and motorcycles. His warmth, quirky humor, and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

A Visitation in John’s honor will be held on Tuesday, March 24th, beginning at 4 P.M. and concluding at 8 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 25th, 9:30 A.M. at St. Francis R.C. Church, Ridgefield Park. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hackensack.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in John’s memory to charities that were dear to his heart: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. .