John C. Salagaj

John C. Salagaj, 71, of Boca Raton, FL passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. He was surrounded by his family at his time of passing.

John was born on November 9, 1946 in Newark, NJ to the late John Thomas Salagaj and Helen (Mieczkowski) Salagaj.  John attended Saint Casimir’s School and graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark, NJ. During his early years, John was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and was proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed growing up with a large extended family and spent many happy summers at the beach at the family home in Point Pleasant, NJ.

Following high school, John enrolled at Montclair State University. He took a hiatus from school to serve his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After leaving the military, John returned to Montclair State to finish his degree.

John began his long career in the car rental industry working at the Newark Airport. While this job launched a successful career, the most important thing to happen to him at Newark Airport was meeting the great love of his life and wife of 46 years, Patricia (Ferri) Salagaj. He spotted a beautiful young woman working for a competitor and after some convincing, she agreed to eat lunch with him. Afterwards, a date at the Jersey Shore followed, and the rest is history.

John and Patricia married in 1972 and began a busy life, moving multiple times, as John progressed in his career, eventually retiring as a Vice President of Operations in the car rental industry. They raised two children together, Melissa and John.  During the later years of his life, when he became ill, he was lovingly cared for by Patricia. She stayed by his side until his passing.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Salagaj; son, John A. Salagaj, daughter, Melissa Tomberg (Steve); grandsons Andrew, James & Jacob Tomberg; and sister Denise Ogonowski.

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