John Francis Calabrese of Budd Lake, NJ went home to the Lord on May 4, 2026 after a sudden illness.  Born on February 4, 1963 in Brooklyn, NY, John grew up in Long Valley, NJ. A man with a sincere and kind heart beneath a rugged exterior, John valued God, America, and family.

Fiercely patriotic, John was an example of the “American Way” as the proud owner of AGR (All Grades Removal) Services since 1995.  His strong work ethic, along with his tremendous motivation, enabled him to create a successful business helping others clean out their spaces. John’s engaging personality and dependability contributed to the success he attained throughout his career while his faith in God and the values instilled by his parents, resulted in the success he attained as a person.

When not working, John appreciated the simple things in life, such as time on the water, sitting around the fire pit with friends, grilling up his favorite meal, and being entertained by his three cats Jakey, Reeny, and Little, while John himself entertained those around him with stories of his various antics and the humorous lens he viewed things through.

John is survived by his two children whom he loved very much, John Calabrese (Whitney) and Charissa Calabrese (Alex Baki), four grandchildren (Lillyanna, Lyla, Willow, and Xander), sisters Catherine Sossong (Henry-John), Grace McGrory (Manny Elias) and Mary Helen Kellam Gordon (Eric), brothers Joseph Calabrese (Ann Mari), Albert Calabrese (Nicola), Robert Calabrese (Sherri), Peter Calabrese (Eileen), and Frank Calabrese, along with honorary brother and lifelong friend Keith Brown (Joan), Uncle Albert Moffitt (Aunt Pat), Aunt Joanne Stasuk (Mike Licitra), many nieces and nephews, several cousins, former spouse Kimberly Hildebrandt, and dear friend Cheryl Hagany.  John is predeceased by his father Joseph William Calabrese, mother, Grace Moffitt Calabrese, and sister, Irene Judith Calabrese.

Services will take place at Cochran Funeral Home, Hackettstown, NJ on Saturday May 9, 2026 from 10:00am until 1:00pm. Interment will take place immediately after at the Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows, NJ.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Tunnel for Towers organization, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at t2t.org/donate