John Baumgartner, 76, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, after a short stay at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst, North Carolina, surrounded by love.
John was born on September 14, 1948, in Kempten, Germany, to Michael and Rose (Nagel) Baumgartner. At the age of three he immigrated with his family to Connecticut, and later to Passaic, New Jersey. He spent his boyhood playing Little League baseball, enjoying vocational classes in high school, and sharing countless adventures with his best friends, Stephen Burghoffer and Wendel Hengge and John Nagel.
It was in a Passaic soda shop that John met the love of his life, Irene. Not long after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and together they welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie, who became the joy of his life.
Gifted with his hands and a patient mind, John had a lifelong passion for woodworking—crafting everything from furniture to intricate intarsia. In his pursuit of perfection, he even sacrificed two fingertips, a badge of dedication he wore with humor. Known as a “philosopher king,” John had a rare gift for taking whatever life brought his way and turning it into wisdom, always laced with quick wit and good humor.
He built a career as a catenary supervisor for NJ Transit Railroad, retiring early at 53. Afterward, John and Irene moved to North Carolina, where they lovingly cared for her father and brother until their passing.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Irene; his beloved daughter, Lisa; niece Debra B. and nephews Billy B., Tommy B., Richard B. and Henry B. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Michael Jr. and Joseph; sister-in-law Hedy; nephew Frankie B.; father-in-law Henry Kroner; and brother-in-law Alan Kroner.
John’s legacy is one of quiet strength, skillful hands, a deep devotion to family, and the ability to meet life’s turns with humor and grace.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor John’s memory by creating something with your own two hands, tending to a garden, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a good cigar—just as he would have loved
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.
