John B. "Jack" Steigerwald, 87, of Toms River, passed away Tuesday, March 15, at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York. He was a man of faith, humor, love and compassion. Born and raised in Seaside Park, he lived most of his adult life in Toms River.
He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps, serving as a Radar Technician in the Pacific theater working on B-29's in Saipan during WW II. He was a graduate of St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia, class of 1949. Jack worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Field Agent in San Francisco and Detroit. Returning home, he founded Seaside Furniture Shop and was the proud owner/operator for 57 years until his retirement in May of 2010.
Seaside Furniture's website notes that, "Seaside Furniture Store in Toms River, NJ has been offering quality, affordable furniture to the Central New Jersey area since 1953. Along with providing our everyday low prices on all of our quality furniture, we also offer clearances, specials, and promotions every week! Seaside Furniture’s goal is to help everyone in Central New Jersey to get the furniture of their dreams. Our professional and friendly staff is committed to helping you find exactly what you want at a price that you can afford. We can also safely and efficiently deliver your new furniture anywhere in New Jersey."
He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret in 2003 and his daughter Nancy in 1998. He is survived by his wife Marion; two sons: John P. and his wife Debbie of Toms River, Thomas J. and his wife Lynn of Toms River; his daughter: Peggy M. and her husband Joseph McGarry of Island Heights. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: John M. Steigerwald and his wife Michelle, Megan Steigerwald, Tracy Steigerwald, Colleen Servodio, Avery Steigerwald, Erin McGarry and Maureen McGarry; and one great grandchild: Claire Steigerwald.
Services were held on March 21st. donations may be made in memory of Jack to the Peggy Steigerwald Memorial Scholarship fund at Msgr. Donovan High School, or the Nancy Steigerwald Servodio Memorial Scholarship fund at St Joseph Grade School, both at 711 Hooper Ave. Toms River, NJ 08753. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.