John Kish

John Kish, 87, a longtime resident of Clifton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Born on June 11, 1939, in Passaic, John was the son of the late John and Gisella Kish. He grew up in Garfield and moved to Clifton in 1964, where he made his home for 62 years. 

A master carpenter and builder, John was the proud owner of Kish Construction Company for more than 50 years. He was known for his dedication, his hard work, and the pride he took in everything he built. 

John proudly served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. Service remained central to his life. He was a past commander of the Athenia Veterans Post in Clifton, a role that reflected his leadership and his devotion to his fellow veterans, and he was also a member of the Nutley VFW. 

John loved riding his Harleys across the country, cheering on the New York Giants, and spending time with family and friends at his beach house in Mantoloking. 

Above all, John loved his family. He was married to his beloved wife, Claire Leporati Kish, for 46 years until her passing in 2005. He is survived by his son, John G. Kish, and his wife, Denise; his daughter, Judi Kish-Ingram, and her husband, Victor; his cherished grandchildren, Bryan Kish and his wife, Elizabeth Riveria-Kish, Lauren Kish-Sharpe and her husband, Dwight Sharpe, and Konner and Chase Ingram; his great-granddaughter, Brynn; his brother-in-law, Eugene Leporati, and lady friend Lynda Cafone. 

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Marrocco Memorial Chapel, 470 Colfax Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013. There is a Funeral Mass at Saint Clare Church on Allwood Avenue, Clifton, on Wednesday, September 30 th at 10:30 AM followed by his burial at George Washington Memorial Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. 

John leaves behind a life marked by service, leadership, hard work, and love for his family. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.