John M. Hatala, Sr.

John M. Hatala SR., age 61, of Wayne peacefully passed Friday, May 26th, 2023. 

John was born to Eleanor (Bundas) and John Hatala in 1962. As the eldest of three children, John was a role model for his brothers, Mark and James. Beginning at a young age, John enjoyed tinkering with his “toys”. He was always seen fixing a car, motorcycle, and even the occasional flaming tennis ball launcher. While attending Wayne Valley High School, he continued to work with his hands by taking wood shop and metal shop. It came as no surprise when he graduated high school that he wanted to pursue a career in engineering. 

John graduated with his bachelor’s degree from NJIT in electrical engineering. The first job he landed after college was at Lakehurst Naval Base for the Department of the Navy. At Lakehurst, he was a contractor that assisted in purchasing of materials for weapons, structures, and other naval defense systems. After leaving his position in Lakehurst, he worked a couple different jobs before finally settling at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ. He began there in 2007 as a testing department administrator and quickly felt at home. Before his passing, he was the testing and technical operations manager for the entire testing department. 

John normally came across as a grumpy or stoic man, but everyone that knew him knew the real John. He became a second dad to most of his children’s friends.  He was constantly joking, smiling, and laughing -especially when he became “Grandpa”. Throughout his life, he always had some sort of project that he was working on. He would fix old lawn mowers, snowblowers, cars, motorcycles - you name it! John also loved to garden and use all his fresh produce to try new recipes. In the last few years, he was really into his smoker and crafting his own beer. He would spend hours perfecting ribs, chicken, and his own homemade jerky. If it was too cold for him to spend his time outdoors, he was inside working on his model trains. 

Out of everything in his life, his two children were the biggest obstacle, yet, the most rewarding. Some of the fondest memories his children have are from hot summer nights, being stuck under a car, trying to hold the flashlight in the “perfect spot” for him. He never missed a graduation, an awards ceremony, or any of their sports events. John was always the man that you could count on to show up and show his support. His love grew even more when his first grandson, John Michael the 3rd (JJ), was born in June of 2020. John loved chasing JJ around the yard and getting down to show him all his trains, including all the ones that made very loud noises. 

John was loved by many and he will be greatly missed. Predeceased by his father, John Hatala JR., his mother Eleanor Hatala (Bundas), and his daughter Melissa Hatala. He is survived by his son, John Michael Hatala JR., daughter-in-law, Ashlyn Hatala (Miller), and their son John Michael the 3rd of Wayne, NJ; his daughter Sheila “Alex” Hatala and her fiancé, Andre Vicari of Wayne, NJ; his brothers - Mark Hatala of Morristown, NJ and James Hatala of Glen Cove, NY; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Yellow Ribbon Fund would be greatly appreciated.