Obituary of John Thomas Ebner

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John Thomas Ebner, 39, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at home in Maplewood.

A lifelong Red Sox fan and proud Irish American, Jack, was born in New Jersey, grew up in Florida and returned to Jersey in his thirties, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Jessica. He knew she was The One after their epically long first date to the Queer March for Liberation in New York. From that day on, they were inseparable and married in 2022. Their time together had only just begun. 

Jack had a brilliant mind - completing newspaper crossword puzzles in ink - that was balanced with a gigantic heart. He never forgot a birthday - mailing greeting cards, written in his smudgy left-handed scribble and a witty quip. He could be spotted proudly wearing neon pink shorts with bright yellow bananas on them, training for Marathons. The day his nephew, Connor, was born he sang Dear Theodosia while running on the treadmill (and most likely crying).

Jack volunteered as a Big Brother, eager to have a positive impact on a young, queer person. With all of his heart, he loved being Uncle Jack to Connor and Taylor and being a part of his big extended family which included aunts, uncles and cousins. Jack hoped to one day have the title, Dad. 

He is survived by his wife: Jessica Dixon-Ebner, his best friend/copilot/puppy companion of 18 years, Bella, and Bella’s sister Sage; his father David Ebner and mother Elizabeth (Brennan) Ebner, sister Jessie Cosgrove, cherished niece and nephew, Taylor and Connor Cosgrove.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17 th at Prospect Presbyterian Church, 646 Prospect Street, Maplewood, at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jack’s name to Point of Pride which provides trans care to those who don’t have the resources https://www.pointofpride.org/donate or to the Special Olympics at https://support.specialolympics.org/a/tribute-gifts.

Jack is looking down on this and (silently) correcting the grammar. His mischievous smile and infectious laughter will be deeply missed.