Obituary of John J. Waters

John Joseph Waters from Huntington, New York and Jupiter, Florida went to his eternal reward February 21, 2024, surrounded by his large and loving family. He was born June 17, 1945 in the Bronx, NY, the fourth of five children born to the late James and Margaret (nee Breen) Waters.

John's life was a beautiful journey of love, companionship and an unquenchable passion for laughter and fun. At the young age of 15, he met the love of his life and lifelong best friend, Jeanne (nee Nigro), at a St. Helena’s dance. Their love grew stronger over the years and they were happily married for 55+ years. Together, they raised their three children, John (Amy), Laura (Mark), and Timothy (Katie), in Huntington, NY. Their home was always filled with warmth, love, laughter including many extended family gatherings. John and Jeanne’s special love and friendship is a model their entire family will continue to emulate.

John's greatest pride was his legacy of ten grandchildren; Jack, Victoria, Julianna, Donovan, Matthew, Collin, Ryan, Cassidy, Shae, and Ainsley. He was a dedicated and loving Grandpa who never missed a moment to support his grandchildren in their many endeavors, and there were a lot of them!! From attending all of their school, religious and sporting events to treating them to ice cream and hundred dollar bills for a good report card, John's presence brought joy and love to his grandchildren's lives and Grandpa will be deeply missed.

John was pre-deceased by his beloved sister, Margaret, older brothers’ James and Donald (aka Bucky), who unexpectedly passed away less than 24 hours before John. The family is comforted by the thought that Bucky was preparing Heaven for the joyous and raucous celebration of the family reunion- there will be Trouble in Paradise! John is also pre-deceased by his brother in law David, niece Barbara Jean and many cousins and dear friends.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, John is survived by his sister Barbara (Tom), sister in laws, Patricia Waters, Jane Waters, Mary Nigro, Ellen Uffelmann-Knipfing, brother in law, John Knoblich and fifteen nieces and nephews who will all joyfully remember “Uncle Johnny” as the life of the party.

A graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School and Iona College with a BBA degree, John also served in the National Guard. His professional journey led him to a successful career at Arthur Andersen, where he worked for 34 years as a Senior Partner building up four of their largest practices; Mergers and Acquisitions, Manufacturing, Entertainment and Small Businesses. After retiring in 2001, John founded his own merger and acquisition advisory consulting business, and has served on several public company boards where he continued to shape American business, most recently serving on the Board of Directors for a public company, where he chaired the Audit Committee.

In his leisure time, John was an avid golfer sharing the course with his kids and grandkids. At the Crescent Club, he was the proud winner of many tournaments including a Father Son with his son Johnny, Champions in the Thursday night league with Timmy for two sequential years, the Men’s Member Member two times, and numerous flight championships. At Loxahatchee he won two coveted “Turtles” for winning his flight with both Johnny and Timmy. Perhaps it was his three Hole-in-One’s that kept his competitive juices flowing, but likely it was the banter and friendship he had during his regularly scheduled matches that really kept him going. He cherished those friendships, both on and off the course and there isn’t a person on this planet that he wouldn’t greet with his great smile. He was a member of the Huntington Crescent Club for almost 40 years, serving as Treasurer and a board member, and will be remembered for his jolly spirit, great storytelling and for always being surrounded by his large family (who may or may not have put an occasional ice cream or drink on his tab!) John also loved being part of the community at Loxahatchee in Jupiter, Florida, where he served as Golf Chairman, House Chairman and where he and Jeanne spent most of their time. He was an enthused member of the "Book Club” with some of his closest friends, played Bocce Ball where he was a two time Bacalox Champ, loved trivia night, but mostly just loved being around people who made him laugh. John's passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Giants fan, brought him much joy, despite the pain and frustration he often suffered on Sundays as a Giants fans. As season ticket holders with his brothers, there are many stories about the shenanigans of tailgating and drives to/from the stadium that the family will cherish. He was also an ardent Villanova hoops fan, having 3 children, a daughter in law, a grandson and a granddaughter, all who attended/attend/soon to be attending college there.

John's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. His legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

A Catholic mass will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 at Church of St. Patrick Huntington, NY at 10:45am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shlofmitz Heart Foundation, care of St. Francis Hospital.

https://shlofmitzheart.org/donations/