Services Planned For Former Millburn Fire Battalion Chief John Paynter

MILLBURN, NJ — John Russell "Russ" Paynter Jr., a retired Millburn fire battalion chief, passed away Wednesday at 78. Services will be held in Maplewood and Short Hills this week.

Paynter, a great grandpa, grew up in Millburn. He attended Millburn High School and then Irvington Tech, graduating in 1962, according to his obituary.

Paynter became a firefighter in Millburn in 1966 and retired as battalion chief in 1994. He also owned Paynter Electric.

Visitation will be held this Friday, Jan. 27, at the Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home on Millburn Avenue in Maplewood, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held the next day at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave., at 11:15 a.m. Burial will be private.

Paynter had moved to Randolph in 2000.

According to the obituary, Paynter was predeceased by daughter Lorelei Edwards, brother Robert
Paynter, and grandchildren Brandon Curry and Don Edwards III. He is survived by children Susan Donofrio (Douglas), Sheryl Paynter (Kenneth Gallant), John Russell Paynter III (Laura), sister Elizabeth Marcelliano, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and former wife Rosemary Paynter.

Visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com for more information.