March 16
March 16
I have JJ's picture on my kitchen buffet so I see his smile everyday. I think of him often and miss him being part of our family♥️ Hugs to Bill and Janet. I don't think it gets any easier
When it was recommended that he transition into Hospice Care to make his final days a little more comfortable, JJ reflected on his life, and decided to throw the best, end of life party ever. For many that knew him that made total sense - JJ was the magnate that brought people together, to share a laugh, create a smile, have a good time. The Lord called him before J’s final bash, but it presented him the opportunity to speak to hundreds of his friends in his final days, reminiscing and reflecting on good times that they shared together. For that, he was eternally grateful.
JJ loved sports – both playing them and watching them. Growing up in Voorhees NJ, he excelled on the soccer and baseball fields. At Eastern Regional High School, JJ established strong, lifelong friendships with many of his classmates and varsity baseball teammates. He followed that approach when playing baseball at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) - many of his college teammates, roommates and classmates continue to be great friends. As he aged, and playing competitive sports was no longer an option, he replaced his need to compete with golf, and his love for sports with Philadelphia fandom. He was on the path to get to a single digit handicap in golf before the horrible tumors of Stage 4 Melanoma overtook his body and made the simple act of movement excruciatingly painful. When Philadelphia sports reached a pinnacle in 2022 by making the finals in baseball, soccer, and football (and our basketball team was pretty darn good too), we all were hoping that JJ’s final year on earth might be blessed with a championship (a Superbowl win by J’s beloved Eagles would have been awesome for him). But as any loyal Phila sports fan knows – loyalty comes at a price – second place in all. Guess It’s a Philly Thing.
JJ left TCNJ and went back to school at Rutgers to get an associate degree in Turf Management. He used the knowledge he learned at Rutgers to work as a Golf Course Superintendent at Riverwinds, White Oaks, Royce Brook, and Cranbury Golf Clubs. He went from the golf industry to work in the remodeling industry, working side by side with Damian Derico. They developed a reputation as an honest, talented, hardworking team of craftsman that could help one fix, expand, or beautify their home.
Never one to conform to traditional standards, JJ liked to set his own style. It wasn’t uncommon to see him on the dance floor, dressed like John Travolta, with a Ron Burgundy mustache and Elvis sunglasses, dancing or singing karaoke. People knew, when they saw him approach a band and ask for the mic, that they were in for a good time. His performances of Michael Jackson or James Brown are legendary, reserved for prosperity on the cameras of many cheering friends.
Jonathan has a long list of family and friends that he loved and would do anything for. In his final days he kept telling his mother Janet how much he loved her (we all do). His father Bill was that annoying type of dad that would talk smack in the middle of J’s golf swing, just so he could beat him. J so loved his brother Chris, who is awaiting his arrival in heaven. Possibly his favorite person in the world was his nephew Ethan, who he loved and adored. JJ has a tight and loving family, who love being in each other’s company and already miss him terribly. From the Singer side there’s the Ketschek clan – George, Ruth, Phil (Maria - Jordan), Krista (Mark), his most favorite cuz Andrea (Tom - Dylan); the Singer clan – Bob (Brenda-Michael, Matthew, Marie) and the Hulme clan – Carol (Jack), Amanda (Eddie), Stephanie (Nick - Nick Jr.). From the Antonitis side there is Karen Faust, Jason (Jen – Daphne, Owen), Lauren (Craig – Quinn), Ryan, and Greg McCracken (Lauren – Alex, Jonathan). J’s list of friends is too long to list, but you know who you are, and J wanted you to know that you are loved. And then there was Blackjack – a 14-year romance between JJ and his faithful Border Collie.
Jonathan was a man of many names – Jonathan, JJ, J, Byrd, Byrdman, JByrd, Cuz, DooDoo, DooDoo Man, Singer. Whatever name you knew him as, he was all the same person – generous with his time, caring for your feelings, willing to help you out. He wanted you to smile, enjoy yourself, and find ways to bring happiness into your life.
As you may have noticed by his sports and professions, JJ loved being outside. He was constantly convening with nature, exposing himself every day to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Melanoma cancer is a very real threat to anyone with heavy exposure to the sun. It is easy to treat when detected early, deadly if you catch it too late. It is a horrible way to die. As JJ’s parents, we ask you to check your body frequently for any signs of skin disruption. If you see something that you don’t know what it is, get it checked out. It could be the difference between life and death.
During the Catholic Lenten season, Catholic Churches do not permit flowers in the church. So instead of sending flowers, JJ would want you to show a simple act of kindness to a friend you haven’t seen in a while – reach out to them, chat with them, tell them how important they are in your life.
Visitation Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10am to 12:45pm at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, 17 Earlington Ave., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, where Funeral Mass will be offered at 1pm. Interment private.
Eternal rest grant unto Jonathan, O Lord. May he rest in peace by your side. May all the Saints and Angels be with JJ and his brother Chris, from now until forever.
We love you J. Rest in Peace!
Fertig Funeral Home
JJ loved sports – both playing them and watching them. Growing up in Voorhees NJ, he excelled on the soccer and baseball fields. At Eastern Regional High School, JJ established strong, lifelong friendships with many of his classmates and varsity baseball teammates. He followed that approach when playing baseball at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) - many of his college teammates, roommates and classmates continue to be great friends. As he aged, and playing competitive sports was no longer an option, he replaced his need to compete with golf, and his love for sports with Philadelphia fandom. He was on the path to get to a single digit handicap in golf before the horrible tumors of Stage 4 Melanoma overtook his body and made the simple act of movement excruciatingly painful. When Philadelphia sports reached a pinnacle in 2022 by making the finals in baseball, soccer, and football (and our basketball team was pretty darn good too), we all were hoping that JJ’s final year on earth might be blessed with a championship (a Superbowl win by J’s beloved Eagles would have been awesome for him). But as any loyal Phila sports fan knows – loyalty comes at a price – second place in all. Guess It’s a Philly Thing.
JJ left TCNJ and went back to school at Rutgers to get an associate degree in Turf Management. He used the knowledge he learned at Rutgers to work as a Golf Course Superintendent at Riverwinds, White Oaks, Royce Brook, and Cranbury Golf Clubs. He went from the golf industry to work in the remodeling industry, working side by side with Damian Derico. They developed a reputation as an honest, talented, hardworking team of craftsman that could help one fix, expand, or beautify their home.
Never one to conform to traditional standards, JJ liked to set his own style. It wasn’t uncommon to see him on the dance floor, dressed like John Travolta, with a Ron Burgundy mustache and Elvis sunglasses, dancing or singing karaoke. People knew, when they saw him approach a band and ask for the mic, that they were in for a good time. His performances of Michael Jackson or James Brown are legendary, reserved for prosperity on the cameras of many cheering friends.
Jonathan has a long list of family and friends that he loved and would do anything for. In his final days he kept telling his mother Janet how much he loved her (we all do). His father Bill was that annoying type of dad that would talk smack in the middle of J’s golf swing, just so he could beat him. J so loved his brother Chris, who is awaiting his arrival in heaven. Possibly his favorite person in the world was his nephew Ethan, who he loved and adored. JJ has a tight and loving family, who love being in each other’s company and already miss him terribly. From the Singer side there’s the Ketschek clan – George, Ruth, Phil (Maria - Jordan), Krista (Mark), his most favorite cuz Andrea (Tom - Dylan); the Singer clan – Bob (Brenda-Michael, Matthew, Marie) and the Hulme clan – Carol (Jack), Amanda (Eddie), Stephanie (Nick - Nick Jr.). From the Antonitis side there is Karen Faust, Jason (Jen – Daphne, Owen), Lauren (Craig – Quinn), Ryan, and Greg McCracken (Lauren – Alex, Jonathan). J’s list of friends is too long to list, but you know who you are, and J wanted you to know that you are loved. And then there was Blackjack – a 14-year romance between JJ and his faithful Border Collie.
Jonathan was a man of many names – Jonathan, JJ, J, Byrd, Byrdman, JByrd, Cuz, DooDoo, DooDoo Man, Singer. Whatever name you knew him as, he was all the same person – generous with his time, caring for your feelings, willing to help you out. He wanted you to smile, enjoy yourself, and find ways to bring happiness into your life.
As you may have noticed by his sports and professions, JJ loved being outside. He was constantly convening with nature, exposing himself every day to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Melanoma cancer is a very real threat to anyone with heavy exposure to the sun. It is easy to treat when detected early, deadly if you catch it too late. It is a horrible way to die. As JJ’s parents, we ask you to check your body frequently for any signs of skin disruption. If you see something that you don’t know what it is, get it checked out. It could be the difference between life and death.
During the Catholic Lenten season, Catholic Churches do not permit flowers in the church. So instead of sending flowers, JJ would want you to show a simple act of kindness to a friend you haven’t seen in a while – reach out to them, chat with them, tell them how important they are in your life.
Visitation Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10am to 12:45pm at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, 17 Earlington Ave., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, where Funeral Mass will be offered at 1pm. Interment private.
Eternal rest grant unto Jonathan, O Lord. May he rest in peace by your side. May all the Saints and Angels be with JJ and his brother Chris, from now until forever.
We love you J. Rest in Peace!
Fertig Funeral Home
Tributes
Leave a tribute
December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023
Happy heavenly birthday JJ. Our family misses you every day!! We're always talking about you, our memories, our stories. You won't be forgotten, ever!
Bill & Janet, hugs to you especially today♥️
Bill & Janet, hugs to you especially today♥️
December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023
Missing you our friend especially today. Happy heavenly birthday JJ. Hope your rocking out and swinging away
March 25, 2023
March 25, 2023
On behalf of the TCNJ Baseball program, we send our condolences and prayers to JJ’s family and friends. Your smile, your laughter and your passion for life and baseball will never be forgotten here. You will always be in our hearts. RWG JJ.
March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
RIP, JJ. Your life was cut way too short, but your memory will last a lifetime. Your competitive spirit and fun and energetic personality was infectious. You were loved by many, and you will be sorely missed. To Janet and Bill, my thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you and your family. JJ was an awesome young man. My heart breaks for you both, and all his family and friends who lost a reason to laugh in their lives. God Bless!
March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
We have such fond memories of JJ, Chris and our boys playing on Redstone Ridge and swimming at Sturbridge Lakes. A wonderful community and outstanding friendships. We are so sorry for your loss and want you to know that you are in out thoughts and prayers. Fred and Ginny Pfleger
March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Singer,
I am so sorry for your loss. JJ was always so kind. I know how he loved Ethan fiercely. I hope you find peace in knowing he is now with Chris and no longer in pain. Thinking and praying for you both.
Love,
Kim, Joe, & kids
I am so sorry for your loss. JJ was always so kind. I know how he loved Ethan fiercely. I hope you find peace in knowing he is now with Chris and no longer in pain. Thinking and praying for you both.
Love,
Kim, Joe, & kids
March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023
Janet & Bill
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It’s been awhile but JJ was a great kid & a real leader of the Renegades
Our prayers are with you & JJ
Bob & Molly Foody
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It’s been awhile but JJ was a great kid & a real leader of the Renegades
Our prayers are with you & JJ
Bob & Molly Foody
March 21, 2023
March 21, 2023
Janet and Bill, our hearts break for your loss. Please know that our love and prayers continue to be sent out to each of you, your family and all those close to Jonathan. May the lord take him home to rest.
With love; Doug, Nikki and our girls
With love; Doug, Nikki and our girls
March 21, 2023
March 21, 2023
So sorry for your loss. There are no words. Prayers for you and your family.
March 21, 2023
March 21, 2023
Rest in peace JJ. Your sense of humor, smile and quiet confidence was always great to be around! I will always remember you and hope that you can rest easy now! Gone too early but know your gonna be missed!
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
March 16
March 16
I have JJ's picture on my kitchen buffet so I see his smile everyday. I think of him often and miss him being part of our family♥️ Hugs to Bill and Janet. I don't think it gets any easier
December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023
Happy heavenly birthday JJ. Our family misses you every day!! We're always talking about you, our memories, our stories. You won't be forgotten, ever!
Bill & Janet, hugs to you especially today♥️
Bill & Janet, hugs to you especially today♥️
December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023
Missing you our friend especially today. Happy heavenly birthday JJ. Hope your rocking out and swinging away
Gallery
1998
Francine and JJ
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Growing Up - JJ's formative years
JJ and Mom
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Justin's Wedding
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Another fine performance....
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Here is THE MAN, they myth, The JJ
Recent stories
April 11, 2023
by Ryan Soloby
JJ was an open and accepting guy with patience and a great sense of humor. Too many times to count he helped Chris and the rest of us in the band out of some scenario, usually in the form of last minute rides and/orbeing a roadie. He was always supportive and encouraging. We all are very sorry and he will be missed as part of many great memories.
March 21, 2023
by Jill Sheeley
We were so fortunate to have met JJ many years ago at Cranbury Golf Club. Our daughter, Francine, and JJ immediately bonded. He was the big brother she always wanted.
There is so much to say about JJ...not sure even where to begin.
Being anywhere near JJ was guaranteed to bring a smile, probably a laugh. In addition to the great theatrics and humor as well as JJ's tremendous sporting ability, he bore a heart of gold with endless depths.
Taken way too young, much too soon. Hoping that JJ finally is the head honcho of his own golf course in the clouds.
He was one of a kind, a true friend, a loving and funny young man who always had time to stop for a chat, a kind word or a hug.
JJ, there will always be a special place in our hearts for you, we will carry your laugh and hope to honor your legacy of caring.
You are missed and will be forever
G-d speed our friend
There is so much to say about JJ...not sure even where to begin.
Being anywhere near JJ was guaranteed to bring a smile, probably a laugh. In addition to the great theatrics and humor as well as JJ's tremendous sporting ability, he bore a heart of gold with endless depths.
Taken way too young, much too soon. Hoping that JJ finally is the head honcho of his own golf course in the clouds.
He was one of a kind, a true friend, a loving and funny young man who always had time to stop for a chat, a kind word or a hug.
JJ, there will always be a special place in our hearts for you, we will carry your laugh and hope to honor your legacy of caring.
You are missed and will be forever
G-d speed our friend
March 21, 2023
I last saw JJ at Ryan's 40th birthday party last December. We had a lengthy conversation where we spoke about Chris, Ethan, the goofy videos we made in our high school media class, and life in general. He spoke about his brother and nephew with great love and pride. JJ had mentioned he was having health problems, but I didn't know that would be the last time I'd see him. I'm really grateful I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with him that night. I've known JJ since high school, primarily through my friendship with Chris. But throughout the years, I've known JJ to be an equally amazing human being in his own unique way. My deepest condolences to the Singer family.