John B. Aniano, Jr. of Upper Freehold Township, NJ died at home on October 23, 2024 after a 2-year 5-month journey with a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was 65. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years Debra Aniano (nee Kneppel), his sister Mary Beth Earley (nee Aniano) of Albany, OR, brother-in-law David Kneppel, and 5 nephews and nieces Sam, Amanda and Rebecca Kneppel, and Christopher and Samantha Earley as well as numerous cousins.

John was born in Jersey City on September 24, 1959 to Therese and John B. Aniano, Sr. He grew up in Ramsey. NJ and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Arts from Montclair State College, and an A.S. in Engineering from Bergen Community College. He then went on to study at Rutgers University where he earned a B.S. and an M.S. in Ceramic Engineering.

He enjoyed a 16-year career in fiber optics research and development which included working on components of the Hubble Space Telescope. When the bottom fell out of the fiber optics communications industry in the early 2000's, he returned to one of his first loves: making, restoring and repairing fine bows for stringed instruments. He became a respected craftsman in this field and was self-employed for over 20 years, working out of and seeing customers in his home-based workshop.

Always inquiring, learning and creating, John was a Renaissance Man who generously shared his knowledge and skills with others. He was a self-taught expert in fields including 18th century woodworking tools and techniques, photography, bread-baking, cooking ethnic foods, astronomy, antique pump organs, and gardening, especially growing fruit trees. He had a deep passion for and knowledge of classical music, and just as equally, loved laughing at Bob & Ray, Alvin & The Chipmunks and Shaun the Sheep.

John and Debbie traveled extensively all over the US, Europe and beyond. Trips included over 20 US National Parks, the Shetland Islands (Scotland), Colombia, Poland, Romania, France, and Iceland. Their favorite place was Italy, to which they returned multiple times with friends Marian and Bernie. At home together they lovingly restored their 1700's farmhouse over a period of 20 years and modernized it with a geothermal heating and cooling system powered by solar panels. They surrounded their dream home with flowers and specialty trees, and filled it with cats, antique furniture, collectibles, and much joy through the years.

John donated his body to Rutgers Medical School for teaching and research purposes. To honor his life, family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life and repast Thursday, December 5 from 3-7pm at the Bordentown Elks Lodge, 11 Amboy Rd, Bordentown, NJ. The Celebration of Life will also be broadcast on Zoom, beginning at 4 pm Eastern at this web address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82454294009?pwd=BvS9H9PsHZjn2VYYO6E6rtzeYz06JL.1

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor John in a special way are asked to make a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation or WWFM.org his favorite member-supported classical radio station. For out-of-town guests, a list of hotels is available.