John T. Traylor Jr. of Hampton Township, N.J., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, at his home. He was 95.
Son of the late John and Helen (nee Faderwick) Traylor, he was born and raised in Mt. Arlington, N.J. John had lived in Sparta, N.J., and Lake Lenape before moving to Hampton Township many years ago. John had proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, attaining the rank of staff sargent. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He was a volunteer fireman and past-chief of the Andover Township Fire Department.
John had worked for Reaction Motors, a pioneer in Rocket Research, fabrication and testing in Denville, N.J., for 18 years. He had also worked for Thiokol Chemical Co. as a senior lab tech in Rockaway, N.J., before his years as the maintenance foreman for Royal Business Forms of Andover Township, where he worked until his retirement.
John was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and archery. He was an archery instructor for the Boy Scouts. He was a lifetime member of the Appalachian Bowmen of Sussex County, where he constructed novelty shooting machines for their archery events. For many years John played with the North Jersey Softball League as well as enjoyed ice skating.
John was predeceased by his brothers, Frank and Edward Traylor; and sisters, Helen Delma and Margaret Horn.
John is survived by his beloved wife and caregiver, Jane E. (nee Elston); son, Donald, and his wife, Donna Traylor of Wantage Township; and daughter, Donna Garigan of Montague, N.J.; sisters, Ethel Sutton of Hopatcong, N.J., and Alice Nylander of North Carolina; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Due to Covid-19, funeral arrangements are private and being held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home in Newton, N.J.