John Francis Small, Sr. of Washington Township was called home to our Lord, at the age of 87, on November 27, 2024. John was the beloved husband to Rosemary Small (nee Sheppard) for 45 years. He was predeceased by his sister, Jane Auletto Cavalieri (Enzo) and his two brothers, Donald and Robert Small. He is survived by his brother, Thomas F. Small (Elaine) and many nieces and nephews.

He was the loving father of John F. Small, Jr (Michele), Thomas L. Small (Erin), LeeAnne Small Cruet (Patrick) and Lauren Small Pallies (Jeffrey). He was stepfather to Francis M. Holmes (Michele) and Sharon R. Holmes McLaren (James).

John cherished his grandchildren Brett (Rebecca), Bradley, Brielle, Brady, and Ryan Small; Logan, Marisa, Zachary and Dylan Cruet; Jason Holmes; Nicholas, Patrick, and Colin Carroll; and Bristol McLaren.

Last, but not least, John was a proud and adoring great-grandfather to Ellie-Mae Small.

John was born on October 22, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Southern High School before enlisting in the US Army in 1955. Upon his discharge in 1958, he and several neighborhood young men formed a singing group called The Novelmen. He and his brother, Tom, enjoyed sharing Philadelphia Eagles football games. They were in attendance together at the first Eagles championship football game in 1960, watching from the 35 yard line. Both remained devoted fans until this day.

As life passed, along came children, sports, activities, new and dear lifelong friends, parties and wonderful memories; in other words…a life well lived.

Family and friends are welcome to attend John’s viewing at Egizi Funeral Home at 119 Ganttown Road, Turnersville, NJ 08012 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday evening, December 6 and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 AM. Funeral service/Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Saturday, December 7 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 176 Stagecoach Road, Sicklerville, NJ 08081; Interment, Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 240 N. Tuckahoe Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094.

In honor of John’s life, in lieu of flowers and acts of sympathy, his family would encourage donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Voorhees Animal Orphanage.