John E. Ertle, World War II Veteran, Dies At 90

Courtesy of Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, Ship Bottom

John Elton Ertel passed away peacefully at home in Beach Haven, NJ, on April 13, 2017. He was 90.

John was a resident of Beach Haven for 24 years. He lived in Spray Beach and Montclair, previously.

John was born in Trenton, NJ, on September 4, 1926, the only child of Elton Ertel and Florence Farr. He grew up in Trenton, graduating from Trenton Central High School in 1944. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was posted to the USS Wilkes-Barre in the Pacific theater. He was in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the Armistice with Japan in September 1945. When he was discharged in 1946, John entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He graduated from MIT in 1950 with a B.S. in chemical engineering.

John's mother re-married in 1944 to Louis P. Lapin, M.D. He considered him to be a second father. In fact, he was adopted by Dr. Lapin as a son in his adult years.

After college, John worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. for 6 years in Pottstown, Pennsylvania before joining the Pantasote Co. in Passaic, NJ, rising to be the vice president of operations. He spent the balance of his career with Pantasote, retiring in 1990.

On July 21, 1951, John married Joan Wagner, whom he remained with until she passed away on November 22, 1987. He had two children with Joan, David Farr Ertel of Princeton, NJ and Coconut Grove, FL and Daniel Hoyt Ertel of Alexandria, VA. He had two grandchildren, Elisabeth Farr Ertel of Philadelphia, PA and Samuel Wagner Ertel of Los Angeles, CA. His sister, Gertrude Eick, predeceased him. His brother, Jay F. Lapin lives in Seattle, WA.

John is also survived by his devoted companion, Patricia Capriotti, who lived with him in both Spray Beach and Beach Haven for the last 25 years. Pat was a wonderful partner to him, giving him love, joy and support over the years. John also loved Pat's children and grandchildren and spent much time with them.

John's interests included his commitment to Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach, NJ, in RCIA and as a eucharistic minister. John was a lifelong bridge player locally, nationally and internationally. He achieved Gold Grand Master status and was happiest around a bridge table.

John was a loving father, grandfather and uncle. He is survived by the members of his family mentioned above as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass honoring his life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Boulevard in Brant Beach, NJ 08008. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Saint Francis of Assisi at the above address. Arrangements are under the direction of Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, 12th St. & Blvd, Ship Bottom.

Image: Patch file photo