Obituary of John Witkowski Jr.

John “Big John” Witkowski, Jr., 75, of Howell passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Ocean Medical Center at Brick.  Big John was born and raised in Point Pleasant.  He had lived in Howell, Lakewood and Brick before returning to Howell in 1990 to raise his family.  Big John retired as a heavy equipment mechanic in 2010 from J.C.P.&L. and the I.B.E.W., Local 1289 with 16 years of dedicated service.  He previously worked for Harris Brothers in Wall as a diesel mechanic.  With his wife, Patty, they owned a retirement home in Bullock, NC and relished the time they spent there.  He adored his cats, yet racing was everything to Big John.  From watching NASCAR or Street Racing on T.V.  to endless Saturday nights at Wall Stadium, he reveled in the thrill of the race.  Big John’s favorite driver was Richie Evans but his favorite people were his family. 

Big John was predeceased by his father, John Witkowski, his mother Annaka (nee Woolley) Mandel, and his stepfather, Oscar Mandel.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, whom he had met 58 years ago on the boardwalk, Patricia (nee Forsythe) Witkowski; his son, John “J.T.” Witkowski; his daughter, Melanie Witkowski and her boyfriend, Justin Gumley; a brother, Thomas Mandel; and many extended family and dear friends.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  At the request of Big John’s family, the recommended attire for the visitation is casual (i.e. a pair of jeans and your favorite racing t-shirt).  Interment will be private.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Associated Humane Societies-NJ, 2960 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753 or HERE.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.