Obituary of John J. Cranga

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we share the passing of John J. Cranga, age 94, of Matawan, NJ, who left us peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at The Manor in Freehold, NJ. Born in Jersey City, NJ, John’s journey led him to Matawan 25 years ago, where he created a home filled with warmth, laughter and love with Theresa, his wife of 65 years.

John was a man of great strength, both physically and spiritually. A construction worker for Local 325 in Hudson County – no one worked harder, had more integrity or took greater pride in his work. But it was in his personal life where John truly shined. Every day, he carried a smile that could light up any room and a heart that overflowed with love and kindness. No matter what challenges life threw his way, John faced them with grace, a sense of humor and an unshakable belief that everything would be ok.  John’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his wife, daughters, son and grandchildren. His love for them was boundless, and his presence in their lives brought them strength, peace and comfort. Whether it was his love of dancing, playing cards with Theresa, going to Bingo or the Let It Ride table in Atlantic City, John savored every moment of life.

John was predeceased by his loving parents, John and Jeanette Cranga; his devoted wife, Theresa Cranga; his brothers, Jimmy Cranga (Bernice) and Frank Yannich (Barbara) and his sisters, Anna Gavaza and Mary Napolitano (Joseph). He is survived by his daughters, Victoria Cranga (Dawn) and Nicole Campece (Salvatore); his son, John Cranga (Erinn) and his beloved grandchildren, Anthony Saccoccio, Salvatore M. Campece, Sofia Campece, Johnny Cranga, and Kelly Cranga, who were the light of his life. John’s memory will live on in the stories they will continue to share and the love they will forever hold in their hearts.

John was a man who knew how to live fully, love deeply and leave a lasting impact on everyone around him. To know John was to feel the depth of his kindness, the joy of his laughter and the pure goodness that radiated from him. He was one of a kind and can never be replaced. The world is a little dimmer without him, but we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in all of us.

Family and friends are invited to visit in remembrance on Friday, December 13th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North. A funeral liturgy will follow on Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Bernadette Church in Parlin, NJ. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, an organization dear to John’s heart: Catholic Charities Donation.

To leave a condolence or for further details, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.