Deacon Jack Werner, 84, of Blackwood, a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Camden for the past 27 years, died Oct. 26.
Ordained on March 15, 1997, by Bishop James McHugh, he was assigned to Saint Agnes Church in Blackwood in June 1997, and then to the merged Our Lady of Hope Parish in May 2010, serving there until his retirement in 2015.
In 2000, he was appointed as a weekend master of cremony for Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. Deacon Werner also served on the Deacon Personnel Board and the Diaconate Admissions Board. As well, he was a part of the Diocesan Finance Committee, Diocesan Audit Committee and Diocesan Cemetery Committee.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in economics from Villanova University in 1962 and a masters in theology from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 2003. He also dedicated 22 years to the Camden County Municipal Utility Authority as the finance director, where his expertise and leadership left an indelible mark until his retirement in 2009.
In addition to his diaconate work, he was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, with Holy Crusaders Council #9193 and Bishop Schad Assembly #2843.
He is the beloved husband of the late Joanne D. Werner (nee Stefano), who predeceased him in 2023; devoted father of Jeannine Gallo (Mark), Jennifer Cusano (Tom) and John F. Werner III; proud grandfather of the late Justine Werner, Victoria Werner, Gabriella Cusano, Gavin Gallo, Logan Gallo and Mason Gallo.
Deacon Werner is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He is also predeceased by his parents, John F. Werner Sr. and Eugenia Mary Werner (nee Danieska), as well as a sister, Joan Avallon (Lowell).
“His service to the parish was not merely a duty but a calling that he fulfilled until his last days. Jack’s presence was a source of comfort and guidance to the parishioners, and his contributions to the Church’s mission were invaluable,” his family said in announcing his passing.
A viewing will be held Oct. 31, from 9:45- 11:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Parish / Saint Agnes Church, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at noon.
Interment will immediately follow at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
