Obituary of John E. Saker

JOHN E. "JACK" SAKER SR. 77, died Monday, April 11, 2011, at home surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Freehold. After graduating from Freehold High School, he attended Rider College before joining the family grocery business known as Saker's Shop-Rite Super Market on Institute Street in Freehold. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950's. After returning from the Air Force, he rejoined his parents and brother Joseph in building and growing the family business. He served as Executive Vice President of Foodarama Supermarkets, which he was instrumental in taking Public. He was also Chairman of the Board and CEO of Big Apple Supermarkets in New York, before merging them into Foodarama. He was a former member of the Freehold First Aid Squad, the Freehold ELKS, and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He was also an Officer in the Jaycees, and the Optimist Clubs in Freehold. He was a Director of The Community National Bank of Zephyrhills, Florida. He resided with his family in Freehold, moving to Rumson in 1965, and then semi-retiring in 1978 to Pompano Beach, Florida. He and his family operated a Horse Racing and Breeding Operation in Ocala, Florida. He returned to his home town of Freehold in 1996. He assisted his wife, Joan in operating her Medical Supply Business. Jack was predeceased by his parents Mary and John Saker, and a son Scott Saker, age 51, who passed away in Florida a year ago. Jack is survived by his wife Joan of 57 years, and five children, Linda Saker, Lori Tanner, Leslie Weidenfeld, John E. Saker, Jr., and Leah Boutin and nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Joseph Saker, nieces, nephews, and “many dear and loving friends”. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, in Freehold, and St.Henry's, of Pompano Beach, Florida. Visiting will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold on Friday at 10:00 a.m. followed by entombment at Maplewood Chapel Mausoleum, Freehold. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Freehold First Aid Squad, 18 Spring St. Freehold NJ 07728 in his memory.