John Singletary

John “Big John” Singletary, age 68, of Lincoln Park passed Friday, March 31.

John was born to George and Helen Singletary in Hackensack, New Jersey on February 12, 1955. After the passing of his mother at age 6, he moved to North Carolina where he lived with extended family for several years until he moved to Bonnie Brae Farm for Boys in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. While at Bonnie Brae, John’s father passed away when he was 14. He ultimately went to Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts as part of the Head-Start program during his high school years. He left school and began working various jobs until he started at the McDonalds in the former Wayne Hills Mall. During this time he met the love of his life, Jane Singletary (Straub), and after dating for five years, they married in 1988. Three years later, the entrepreneurial opportunity of a lifetime was presented to him enabling him to purchase his own McDonald’s franchise at 157 W 63^rd Street in Bayonne, NJ. John poured his heart and soul into his business. He sat on the purchasing and finance committees for many years providing valuable input to improve operations within the corporation. He enjoyed volunteering his time with the Ronald McDonald House Charity. He provided mentorship to his employees and others, enhancing their careers and development. He retired after 23 years in 2014.

John was always known as the life of the party; he loved his music as loud as possible, dancing, and having a great time. John loved sports and was a loyal Giants and New York baseball fan. He never missed a game, including those that his children were playing in. He was a great sideline cheerleader, coach, and referee. He always supported his children through all their endeavors. He was a supporter of the Lincoln Park Police Athletic League for many years, and even successfully petitioned to have the snack stand at Lincoln Park Field erected through the Ronald McDonald House Foundation.

John was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin Singletary, Sr. and Helen Ursula Singletary (Foye); sister, Catherine Singletary; and his brothers and sisters (cousins), Richard Singletary, Rachel Singletary, Laura Singletary, Edward Singletary, and Miriam Allen of North Carolina. 

John leaves behind his loving wife, Jane Singletary, his daughters, Allison Singletary of Michigan; Jessica Singletary of Garfield; Amanda Gough and husband Michael of Wayne; and son John Singletary, Jr. of Lincoln Park; and four grandchildren Mariah, DeAnna, Sabrina, and Junior. He is also survived by his sister, Sheila Schottman and her husband Edward of Seal Beach, CA; and brothers George Singletary, Jr. of Basking Ridge and William Singletary of Long Beach, CA; sisters (cousins) Alice Singletary and Martha Singletary of North Carolina; many in-laws/out-laws, nieces and nephews; and the dog he never wanted but loved so much, Jake. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House- New York, a charity near and dear to his heart, in the name of John Singletary (rmh-newyork.org).