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HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. – John S. Ball, a resident of Hasbrouck Heights, died Saturday, July 16. He was 91.
Born July 26, 1924, he was the son of the late Anna and John T. Ball of Lawrence Township.
In December 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served on sea plane reconnaissance flights in the Pacific Theater. He earned a number of decorations, including the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two stars. He was discharged as an aviation machinist’s mate second class in 1946.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Trenton State Teachers College in 1950 and later earned his master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He taught physical education and driver's education in the Nutley school district from 1950-90.
After retiring, he volunteered as an AARP driving instructor for many years. He was a longtime member of the Hasbrouck Heights Volunteer Fire Department and the ambulance squad. He joined the department’s Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in 1959 and later served as the company’s captain. He was chief of the department from 1973-75.
In addition to his active service, he was a member of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association, the Hasbrouck Heights Firemen’s Relief Association and the South Bergen Chiefs Association, where he served a term as president.
He is survived by his wife Ethel; three daughters, Christine Kindl and husband David, Kathryn Strotz and husband Carl and Cindy Heismeyer and husband Rick; grandchildren, Julia (Kindl) Krahe and husband Chris, Liza Kindl, Fred Heismeyer and wife Kelly, Rebecca Heismeyer, Jack Heismeyer, Kevin Strotz and Peter Strotz; great-grandson Elliott Krahe; and sister, Dorothy Staiger.
He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Ball; and his cousin, Jay Coxon.
His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine, 229 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his name to the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, 248 Hamilton Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 or to a charity of your choice.
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