Obituary of John B. Musum

John Blasi Musum, 87, of Maplewood NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 16, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Irvington, NJ in 1924 to parents Venerando and Maria Gaetanina "Sadie" Musumeci. John was the eldest of three. He is predeceased by his two brothers, Vincent and Philip. The family relocated to South Orange. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1943. He was a Merchant Marine during WWII serving his country proudly in the Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean and Middle East War Zones. He continued to be involved in Veterans affairs. Following the war he returned to the family business, Musum Company & Sons Barber & Beauty Suppy in Newark NJ with his father and two brothers, Vincent & Philip. John raised his family in Maplewood NJ where he became an active member of his community serving on the Maplewood Planning Board, republican committees and a life time member of the Lions Club where he served as president and financial secretary. Music and theater were a big part of his life. Acting and directing in numerous productions; Off-Broadway, The Strollers, Papermill Playhouse and Clark Community Players. John was an accomplished, self taught piano player, and never missed an opportunity to croon for a crowd. He had an amazing recollection of generations of family history which he shared to his children, nieces and nephews and grandchildren. His joke telling is legendary. Beloved husband of the late Jane Lent Musum. John is survived by his children; Anita Walls of Maplewood and her husband Jimmy and children Molly, Olivia and James, son, Veny Musum and his wife Patty of Basking Ridge and daughter Jayne Burns of Sebastopol California, her husband John and children Harrison and Julia, and his long time companion Vera Kroll. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange, on Wed, Nov 21st at 10:30 AM. Interment Private. Visitation will be held at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood on Tuesday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM. For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com