John James Desparrois, Sr., affectionately known as “Big John,” died on May 17 at the age of 69.
A devout Catholic, Mr. Desparrois was a Eucharistec Minister at Nativity Parish in Franklinville (now Saint Michael the Archangel), and later at Saint Anne Church, Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Mullica Hill, where he served for years as a board member.
Mr. Desparrois found his professional calling when he was employed with the Department of Aging in Salem County, and later became the regional coordinator of Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities) for Cape County, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties and the president of the Board of Mental Health of Salem County. He spent 32 years supporting the South Jersey community, families and individuals in their moments of crisis, providing assistance and reassurance.
In 2005 he personally assisted for months in the disaster relief efforts in Louisiana and Texas after Hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Desparrois was the recipient of a papal honor, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, in 2012.
Born in Chicago, Mr. Desparrois grew up in Penns Grove. He graduated from Union College, Barbourville, Kentucky, and through the years earned professional certifications from Rowan University, Rutgers and Notre Dame.
Mr. Desparrois’ passion for service was not limited to his professional life or church service. From 1993-2007, he was Scout Master of Troop 39 of the Boys Scouts of America. He was never happier than when commentating the racing of pinewood derby cars, organizing the funnel cake booth at community events, attending three National Jamborees as Scout Master to Troop 212 and awarding merit badges to young men he had taught life skills.
In addition to playing Santa for generations of children, he collected Hess Toy Trucks every year and distributed them to the boys of both family and friends.
He loved traveling and family trips, from Europe to America’s National Parks, as well as more domestic activities, such as dancing to golden oldies in his own living room. There were always Jersey tomatoes and sweet corn to spare from his backyard gardens. He couldn’t pass up a thrift or antique store, often adding to his collection of furniture, glass insulators and vintage TV lamps. He would disappear for hours to tinker in his red, hand-built barn.
Mr. Desparrois would happily spend hours talking with the neighbors and friends on a front porch, lending advice to any home project underway.
He had a lifelong passion for cars that began when he worked in the family business, Picchi’s Cab and car repair business in Penns Grove as a youth. He also rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Mr. Desparrois is survived by his wife of 43 years, Margo; four children, Jessica Galvin (nee: Desparrois) (Thomas), John (Nikki), Vincent (Courtney) and Stephen (Heather); mother-in-law, Peg Snitzel; brother, Anthony Picchi (Susan); niece, Erin (Derick) and four nephews, Robert (Sandy), Eric, A.J., and Ned; numerous great nieces and nephews; and adopted brother and lifelong friend, Jeffrey Sowles. Predeceased by his mother, Mary, stepfather, Anthony, sister, Judy Reeder, brother-in-law, Bill Reeder, uncle, Jimmy Porrecca and father-in-law, Raymond Snitzel, Sr.
The family will hold a small service and interment will be at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in his hometown, Elmer, at a future date.
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