John Contrino

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John Robert Contrino, due to heart complications caused by mesothelioma. He suddenly passed on April 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on July 23, 1960, in Paterson, New Jersey. He lived a life defined by kindness, integrity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. John was employed at the Department of Public Works in Oakland, New Jersey, for 25 years.

John was the beloved and devoted husband of Dawn Hayes. They met 15 years ago at the gym, and it was love at first sight. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, partnership, and shared purpose. John especially enjoyed working on their home, creating a warm and welcoming space for family and friends. His favorite place was the enclosed porch, where he would sit and take in the peaceful view of the backyard, woods, and reservoir—often with a fishing rod in hand. John and Dawn approached everything in life as a team, and they truly cherished the life they created together.

John was predeceased by his parents John and Virginia Contrino, and his sister, Janice Monahan. He is survived by his loving wife of eleven years, Dawn Hayes; his sister, Joyce, and her husband, Nick Fern; his nephews, Christopher Fern, Nicholas Fern, and Brian Monahan. He will also be deeply missed by Dawn’s extended family, who adored him and treasured every moment spent in his company.

John looked forward to the family’s annual summer trips to Wildwood and Cape May, where he enjoyed spending time with loved ones and sampling all the food along the boardwalk. His presence made those vacations especially joyful, and the memories created there will be cherished forever. He found great joy in the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting. John traveled to places such as Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, but his favorite hunting trips were spent in upstate New York with his friend Brian. He loved sharing his passions with his nephews, teaching them how to hunt and fish, and had even begun passing those traditions on to his five-year-old great-niece, Hunter.

John was known for his honesty, compassion, and strong work ethic. He was a man of unwavering integrity who always did the right thing and went the extra mile for others. His generous spirit touched many lives, often in quiet ways. Each Christmas, he made heartfelt donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, believing strongly that no child should suffer from cancer.

John will be remembered for his gentle spirit, generous heart, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation page has been set up in John’s name at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://tinyurl.com/johncjudes and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation https://tinyurl.com/johncmeso