Obituary of John K. Sayers
John K. “Jack” Sayers
February 17, 1956 - November 8, 2024
John “Big Jack” Sayers of Roseland, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on November 8th, 2024 surrounded by family. “When it’s my time to go, the good Lord will take me,” he’d say. And the good Lord has called him home.
Born on February 17th, 1956 to James and Viola (Lupia) Sayers in Newark, he was a true son of New Jersey. He attended West Orange High School, graduated from Kean University, earned his JD from Seton Hall Law School, and went on to serve various communities in Essex County for nearly 50 years.
Jack devoted his life to service, and more importantly, improving the lives of others. He was a police officer in the Essex County Sheriff’s department for 11 years before becoming the first rank and file member in department history to be promoted to Undersheriff, a position he rose to in 1995 and remained in until 2001. He then took his tireless work ethic to the township of West Orange where he became the police director and business administrator. Jack was an active campaign organizer and member of various committees. He spearheaded many initiatives to help better the town he grew up in and cared for so deeply. He volunteered for the “Bag Hunger” food drive, annual toy drives and could even be seen donning a chef’s hat during the town’s cooking fundraisers. In 2015, he was honored for his hard work and dedication to the community by being named Grand Marshal of the West Orange Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Despite all his professional accomplishments, and there are too many to mention, his family mattered most to him. He spent 46 years loving, and at times pestering, his beloved wife Rosemary (O’Connor), or Ro Ro as he could be heard calling her. The two built a beautiful life together and went on to have three children, Jeffrey, Michael and Jaclyn. Jack was always quick to express how proud he was of his kids and took great joy in celebrating their achievements. He loved coaching their sports teams, and if he wasn’t on the sidelines wearing a matching tracksuit and whistle around his neck, you could bet he’d be in the stands cheering. He may have even been ejected from a game or two for doing so a bit too passionately.
Jack was a man of deep faith and compassion. There was no charitable cause to which he wouldn’t devote his attention. He was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Roseland and could be seen every Sunday in the church pews, reflecting, praying and belting out the hymns, many times off key.
To say he could light up a room was an understatement. He was boisterous by nature and some might even say “loud.” Jack could glad hand with the best of them and whether he had known someone for 20 minutes or 20 years, he had the ability to make them feel welcome. He was an expert at “busting chops” but was never afraid to show vulnerability or let people know how much they meant to him. He celebrated in the accomplishments of others, had a deep well of empathy, loved equally and wouldn’t think twice about putting the needs of a stranger before his own. Jack was fair and honest, humble to his core. He took joy in the little moments and was always grateful for what he had. He was buoyed by a tireless work ethic and lead by example. He strived to get the best out of everyone and always believed people were worthy of redemption. The man never met a dog he didn’t like, and surprisingly, never lost an argument.
While it may seem impossible for a person who lived such a busy life to have hobbies, he very much did. Jack nourished his soul by spending time with his family and friends. Whether it be a large birthday gathering or a simple dinner, it was the people who mattered most. In the summer months, you would find him sunning on the sandy beaches up and down the Jersey Shore, or standing on the 5th Avenue dock at 6 AM, fishing pole in hand, asking his half-asleep children, “Who's got it better than us?” He had many lovable quirks, including a penchant for making sure the cars were stacked orderly in his driveway. He could cook a mean pot of Sunday gravy and the French toast he made for the family’s yearly Christmas breakfast was legendary.
The list of lives he touched is immense and immeasurable. He was truly the best of us.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Rosemary; devoted children, Jeff, Mike and Jaclyn; daughters in law Katie and Jess; three beautiful grandchildren, Quinton, Fiona and Juliana; brother Bill and sister in law Debbie; sister Pattie and brother in law Charlie; brother Bob; beloved in laws; and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Viola; and his brother, James Sayers.
Visitation will be held in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Roseland on Thursday, November 14th, from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held on Friday, November 15th in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church at 11am. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. Arrangements are in the care of Codey Funeral Home of Caldwell.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center at the Columbia University Department of Neurology.