Obituary of John Michael Obertlik
John Michael "Mike" Obertlik, 72, of Howell Township, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Mike was born in Jersey City and raised in Cliffside Park. In the 1970s, prior to settling down in Howell Township, Mike served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army and then was transferred to the New Jersey Air National Guard.
Mike was a devoted husband for 43 years to his wife, Sheryl. A love built on laughter, on enjoying the simple things in life, and on knowing that nothing more was ever needed. He was a loving father and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was being "Grandpa" and watching his children raise families of their own.
Mike was a talented woodworker who ran his own sawmill for more than 30 years. Before retiring in 2023, he devoted 17 years to Monmouth County Shade Tree. He enjoyed cooking a good meal, especially when he could share it with others. For celebrations, he loved preparing his homemade moonshine and limoncello. He enjoyed nothing more than building a good fire and talking with the people he loved. Mike had a way of making people laugh with his no-filter sense of humor, something that friends and family will always remember with a smile.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna Obertlik, and his sisters, Barbara Obertlik and Joan Obertlik. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl Obertlik; his children, Michael Obertlik and his wife, Cristina, Jennifer Sarapochillo and her husband, Mike, and Jamie Brodsky and her husband, Andrew; and his cherished grandchildren, Mikayla, Nicholas, Ryan, Cameron, Liliana and Michael.
A private memorial will be held. The family deeply appreciates everyone's kind words, love, and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, they kindly ask that donations be made to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation of NJ, 1347 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. For information, directions, or to leave condolences messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com .