John Stephen Mejorada Jr.

John Mejorada, age 58, peacefully reached the endgame of his life on June 18, 2024. Born in Roxas City, Capiz, and residing in Belleville, NJ, John's life was a beautiful game, rich in strategy, patience, and love.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Claire, whom he first met at President Manuel Roxas Memorial School (PMRMS) and remained classmates with until high school at Capiz National High School (CNHS). He fondly teased her that they were seatmates in the first row since first grade. Their lifelong partnership was like a well-played match, characterized by understanding, support, and deep affection. John's quiet strength and his love language of service made every move in their marriage thoughtful and cherished. John graduated from Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion (CPC) with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and entered the prestigious Philippine Military Academy, becoming a member of the Alpha Company. He entered the Officer Candidate School (OCS) as part of Class Makatarungan 08-92 and served in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

John is survived by his loving mother, Linda Soliven Pichay. He was preceded in death by his father, Juan Fuentes Mejorada.

He is also survived by his siblings: Manuel and his partner Ruby; the late Annabelle, who is fondly remembered by her husband Magno; Jocelyn, whose late husband Patrick remains in our hearts; Margaret and her husband Ibarra; Cenen and his wife Ma. Theresa; Nathaniel and his wife Marylou; and Peter and his wife Maria Cyd. He is loved by many nieces and nephews, as well as two great-grandnieces and one great-grandnephew.

John's passions were as diverse as his strategies on the chessboard. He loved traveling, finding joy in exploring new places, especially restaurants, and treasured gatherings with family and friends, always valuing these moments of togetherness. Chess was not just a game to John; it was his passion, a reflection of his analytical mind and patient nature. He delighted in new technology, always eager to embrace the future, and found satisfaction in managing home projects, each task a move toward a better living space.

John had a deep compassion for the less fortunate, and the poor held a special place in his heart. His dream was to provide chess games and opportunities for children in the Philippines, where he cherished his roots. He worked as a System Administrator for Dassault Aviation, where his skills in technology and organization shone brightly.

In addition to his many passions and the legacy he left behind, John cherished spiritual pilgrimages with a deep devotion to Marian sites. He found solace and inspiration in pilgrimages to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico and Our Lady of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He made countless visits to Shrines of Our Lady of Fatima in New Jersey, Our Lady of Czestochowa in Pennsylvania, and to Padre Pio in Pennsylvania. His spiritual journey also led him to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he celebrated his last birthday in December 2023. Recently, John developed a fervent love and devotion to Blessed Carlo Acutis, alongside nurturing his Eucharistic faith through experiences like the Mother Mary's Day Weekend Retreat with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

He was an active member of BLD (Bukas Loob sa Diyos) and a proud member of the BLD Marriage Encounter Class 44. John dedicated his time and talents to serving the Secretariat ministry, embodying his faith through actions of love and service.

John was a good person, loved by all who knew him. His silent demeanor masked a heart full of kindness and a mind that constantly planned thoughtful gestures. His love for Claire, his family, and his friends was evident in every act of service, every quiet move he made in their favor.

As we mourn the passing of John, we also celebrate the life he lived. His legacy of love, patience, and quiet strength will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us like a well-planned strategy in the game of life.

Rest in peace, dear John. Your game was well played, and you will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Visitation will be on Thursday, June 27, 2024 and Friday, June 28, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Zuasola Funeral Homes of New Jersey, 44 Bay Ave. Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
All are invited to meet at the funeral home at 9:00 AM for Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 120 Prospect St., Nutley, NJ 07110.
Additional Funeral Service will take place in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines under the professional care of Joel Memorial Home. Interment will be at Divine Jesus Memorial Park at a later date.