Obituary of John Patrick Gilmartin

John Patrick Gilmartin, 87, of Freehold, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Applewood Estates in Freehold, NJ. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1936 to Martin and Margaret (Slattery) Gilmartin.

After graduating high school, he began a long career working for the city of New York as an electrical engineer for the Water Department, retiring in 1996. In 1959, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. After moving to Freehold in 1969, John earned an Associate’s Degree from Brookdale Community College and Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Kean University, graduating summa cum laude.

John’s quick wit, generous spirit and love of adventure made him an ideal father and grandfather. An avid runner, John participated in hundreds of races in the local area, especially the Spring Lake Five, as well as multiple marathons including the New York City and Dublin marathons.

John is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters Peggy (Myron) Gellman and Beth (Don) Keating; sister Anna Hickman, and four grandchildren Katie, Sarah, Aisling, and Maeve.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at the Freeman Funeral Home, 47 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728.  A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church on Saturday, January 27^th at 10:30am.  Entombment will follow at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery & Mausoleum in Marlboro, NJ.  To find directions or leave a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, John asked that donations be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.