Obituary of John Patrick Biddiscombe

John Patrick Biddiscombe, 95, a decorated veteran of World War II and a member of The Greatest Generation, passed away November 18, at a Morristown care facility with family members at his bedside. A resident of Lake Hopatcong for 60 years, he was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, and came to Morris County at an early age with his mother, Mary, and younger brother Dick, and settled in Dover. Here the boys’ mother opened the Traveler’s Diner, a restaurant that was an important part of Dover for more than 60 years and a favorite stop for performers such as comedian Jackie Gleason and bandleader Fred Waring. While teenagers, Jack and his brother worked at the diner during non-school hours, but squeezed in time for football at Dover High School, where Jack excelled as a lineman and attained highest academic honors as a student. After high school Jack and his brother co-managed the Traveler’s Diner until 1968, when they sold the restaurant and Jack entered the real estate business as a partner with James L. Ruther, in Dover. In addition to a broker’s license, Jack held an appraiser’s license for both commercial and residential properties, and was active in Dover in helping low income families obtain affordable housing. Jack was married to his childhood sweetheart, Kathryn Berry, who predeceased him. They were married for 61 years and had three children: Patricia (Thomas) of Madison; John (Gail) of Durham, CT; and Robert (partner Wendy) of Rutland, VT; nine grandchildren, Christopher (Louise), Peter (Cathi), and Matthew (Melissa) Harris; and John, Molly, Ryan (Melissa) and Patrick (fiancé Dana) Biddiscombe, and Sara (Oliver White) and Kate (Donnie McKillop); and eleven great grandchildren: Emma, Madeline, Oliver, Chloe, Jesse, Ethan and Luke Harris; and Stella, Maisie, and Gus White; and Connor Biddiscombe; and many loving nieces and nephews. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they cherished him. He was always in good humor and eager to see them and hear about their triumphs. At the end of dinner each Christmas day, and at their urging, he led the family in several stanzas of the “Hobo Song” which was the holiday highlight. Jack was a serious fisherman, and spent many hours fishing for bass on Lake Hopatcong, always releasing fish unharmed. He also loved traveling to Maine during the summer to fish for largemouth bass with family members who could brave the mosquito swarms and rise early. During World War II, Jack entered the Navy and served on the cruiser Wilkes-Barre during the final years of the war in the Pacific as a member of a gun crew and head of food services, responsible for feeding 1000 men. The ship and crew were awarded four battle stars for action in the Pacific, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where the fleet was attacked by swarms of Japanese kamikaze planes. Miraculously, the Wilkes-Barre was unhit and was able to come alongside a damaged and burning aircraft carrier, the USS Bunker Hill, and take off survivors. At wars end, Jack was present in Tokyo Bay when the treaty ending the war in the Pacific was signed by the Japanese and General Douglas MacArthur. He carried in his wallet every day thereafter a card that was issued to sailors who witnessed this dramatic event. On the day he retired from Century 21, the company said, “we are privileged and honored to be part of Jack’s life. He continues to teach us daily the meaning of integrity, character and trust.” Arrangements by Tuttle Funeral Home, Rt. 10, Randolph, NJ. Visitation hours 1 to 2:30 pm on November 28 at the funeral home, followed by a service. Burial private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.