Obituary of John Billick Jr.

Florence Township: John "Sonny" Billick Jr., 87, of Florence, NJ left this earth peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. He is now reunited with his daughter, Kathy and his granddaughter, Kerri in heaven. John was born on April 19, 1932 in Allamuchy, NJ. He was the oldest child of the late John and Esther (Bryce) Bellick. John served in the United States Air Force as a radio operator during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge, he was accepted into the New Jersey State Police Academy on April 15, 1956. In November of 1968, Trooper Billick became the 1st recipient of the "Trooper of the Year" Award which is recognized as the "Honor Above All Honors". After progressing through the ranks, Lt. John Billick Jr. retired as a Deputy Troop Commander for Troop C on May 4, 1987, after 31 years of dedicated service. John loved Boost Slushies, Shirley's home cooking, his faithful, furry dog Sandee, giving his family driving directions, his yellow headphones, doing crossword puzzles, Arby's double roast beef sandwiches, relaxing in his La-Z-Boy recliner, gardening and yard work, Chick-fil-A, Home Depot and generally just doing things his way. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen M. Billick, granddaughter, Kerri Swain and siblings, David and Alice. He is the cherished husband of 63 years to Shirley (née Conrey), loving father to Shawn, Karen, Joni (his primary caregiver) and John Paul (Kristen). Proud grandfather of Melissa, Kevin (LaToya), Ashley (John), Amber (Seba), Charlie, Kelly, Hannah and Henry. Great-grandfather to Leah, Jaslyn, Riley and Noah. He is also survived by his brother Andrew (Raelene), nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held Monday 11:30 AM at Koschek and Porter Funeral Directors, 1115 Hornberger Avenue, Roebling with Deacon Ronald Schwoebel officiating. Friends may call Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Final disposition will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Shrine, 512 W Saratoga St, Baltimore, MD 21201 or the Monastery of St Clare, 150 White Pine Rd, Chesterfield, NJ 08515. John's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Virtua Memorial Hospital 2 North, the Masonic Village at Burlington short term rehabilitation nursing staff and physical therapy department and to the Cooper University Hospital Medical Center Keleman 8 South nursing staff and ICU staff. John, we love you and we miss you already, but we are happy that you are now at peace, and thankful that the Lord has called you home. Condolences may be sent to www.koschekandporterfuneralhome.com