John Thomas Wetzel

John T. Wetzel, age 69, of Bloomingdale, New Jersey passed away after a short illness on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains, New Jersey. John was born April 18, l950, at St Josephs Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey. He was the son of the late Margaret (Peggy) and John M. Wetzel of Bloomingdale. He was also preceded in death by, his brother, James (Jimmy) Wetzel. John was a l967 graduate of Butler High School, where he was active in sports and played football. His grandparents owned and operated Wetzel Luggage in Paterson for over 60 years, and John worked in the business through high school and college. He also represented luggage companies until he graduated from Bloomfield College with a degree in teaching. John taught history throughout his career in the Passaic County School system. In his retirement, he continued as a substitute teacher. John is survived by his aunt, Suzanne Walton, his cousins, Thomas Walton, Michael Walton, Patricia Ann Walton Fast, Andrew Walton and his wife Kathy, Jennifer Walton Ware and her husband Steve, other cousins and good friends. John was a thoughtful kind man loved and respected by family and friends. He enjoyed hiking, reading about history, and visiting his family in his favorite vacation spot, Nantucket Island. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Johns Hopkins Covid 19 at hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/giving.html or a charity of your choice. A memorial mass celebrating Johns life will be held at a future date at St. Anthony of Padua, Butler, New Jersey.