John "Jack" Sacalis passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at RWJBarnabus Hospital - Somerset in Somerville, NJ, surrounded by his loving family. He was one week shy of his 99th birthday.

Born and raised in Bayonne, NJ, he was the son of the late John N. Sr. and Marie Patricia (née Heffernan) Sacalis. He, his parents and sister lived in the apartment above the family floral shop.

Following graduation from Bayonne Technical High School, Jack received a War Department scholarship to Princeton University for participation in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program. He received a BS in engineering in this 1 1/2 year accelerated program. In addition, Jack was trained to be a laboratory technician, photographer and expert marksman.

Jack honorably served his nation in the United States Army during World War II.  Following basic training, Jack was shipped to Japan, where he and his fellow troops were to storm the beaches. It was estimated that 70% of the invading US men would be killed in the operation. However, the atom bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima while en route, and Jack and his comrades became occupiers, stationed at Shagashi Kanagawa near Yokohama. Jack was just 18 years old when he was shipped to Japan.

After separation from the armed services, Jack continued to work in his family flower shop.

On a blind double date, he met and eventually married the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Anna Costas Sacalis. Together they had three daughters, and lived in Bayonne, East Brunswick, Sergeantsville and Flemington, NJ.

Jack continued his education, receiving a Masters and PhD from Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. As professor of plant physiology and horticulture, he taught undergraduates and conducted research with his graduate students for 40 years. During that time he conducted research on a three-month sabbatical at the Glass House Crops Research Institute in Littlehampton, England, and lectured in Poland and Greece. Jack retired in 2007 and remained professor emeritus.

After his father's death in 1962, Jack became co-owner of his family's business. While a professor at Rutgers, he also worked in the flower shop Saturdays and holidays for more than 40 years. It also gave him time to be with his mother, whom he adored.

Jack was affiliated with the Masons Peninsula Lodge located in Bayonne. In 2025, he was honored for 60 years of membership. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club in Bayonne, where he notably served as their youngest president during his tenure. He was a member of the Hunterdon Watercolor Society, and was also awarded membership to the prestigious National Watercolor Society. Jack showed his paintings in several galleries and in art shows, two of which he donated proceeds to charity. He attended Holy Trinity and St. Anna Greek Orthodox Churches. In addition, Jack, Anna and their daughters raised sheep and turkeys on their small farm in Sergeantsville.

Jack acquired a private pilot's license and loved to fly. After retirement, he volunteered as an ombudsman at Hunterdon Medical Center. Photography and mastering new things were lifelong hobbies. He and Anna loved to travel and made many friends during their adventures.

Jack was always there for his family and loved ones. He was friendly, caring, loving and well-respected. It was his innate character to achieve and be creative. Yet with his many accomplishments, he always remained humble.

Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anna Sacalis, and his sister, Barbara Ambrusz.

Jack is survived by his three loving children, Joy Sacalis of Robbinsville, NJ; Jill and her spouse, Gary Turndorf of Princeton, NJ; and Christina Sacalis and her husband, Kurt Steinert of Cabot, Vermont. Jack will be profoundly missed by them. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Andrew, Olivia, Charlie and his wife Rachel, Ben and his wife Amelia, Emmett, and Ila; as well as a treasured great grandchild, Corwin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Countryside Funeral Home, located at 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington, NJ on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 a.m. John will be laid to rest at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Flemington.

Donations in memory of Jack may be made to Hunterdon Watercolor Society, c/o Eleanor Eick, 701 Springhouse Drive, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889. To send condolences to the family, share photographs, or light a candle in memory of Jack, please visit www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com.