Obituary of John Peter Hechler, Jr.

John Peter Hechler, Jr., 84, of Freehold passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. He was born and raised in Kearny and had lived in Freehold for over 30 years. John graduated Nutley High School and went on to bravely serve in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He worked as a turnpike toll collector for many years and most recently as a school bus driver for Durham Bus. John enjoyed playing the lottery, going fishing, and was an avid football fan. Above all, he was most known for his love for a good ice cream cone.

John was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and John Hechler, Sr.; and a sister, Agnes Grace. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Cathy Hechler of Freehold; children, Elizabeth Bergman and her husband, Douglas of St. Charles, MO, and Bryan Hechler and his wife, Annamaria of Freehold; granddaughter, Abigail Bergman; and sister, Irene Hechler of Lawrenceville.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 11:30 AM at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 for the procession to his 1:00 PM Graveside Service in Brigadier General William C. Doyle New Jersey Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com