John Auriemma and his wife, Janet, with their two boys.

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

Shock and sadness spread following the unexpected death of Verona father, John Auriemma. He was 57 years old.

A Belleville native, John died peacefully at home Saturday, Nov. 29, according to his obituary on the Prout Funeral Home website. He leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Janet, and their two teenage sons, Jaye and Jarrett.

John worked as a Corrections Officer for Essex County in North Caldwell prior to starting with Verizon as a Fiber Splicer in the Woodbridge area where he has worked for the past 20 years, according to his obituary.

He loved spending time at the Jersey Shore with his family and never missed any of their sporting events, his obituary says.

"John will be remembered for playing Santa on Xmas Eve, his warm heart, easy smile, and the way he made everyone around him feel welcomed and loved," his obituary reads. "His dedication to his family and friends and his steady presence will be deeply missed."

A GoFundMe campaign created by family friend John Hromoko had raised nearly $26,000 as of Monday, Dec. 1. The campaign describes John as the kind of person who “makes a town a community.” Friends said he was known as the “gold standard of sports parents”, cheering on everyone’s kids — not just his own.

"From basketball courts to fields all over town, his voice was unmistakable. He was a constant motivator and the loudest cheerleader in the crowd," the campaign says. 

"Not just for the kids, but also at his wife's softball league. He was always ready to heap compliments onto others and quick to deflect praise, always sharing the credit with the group. Even after his son stopped playing football, he would support and attend every single football game. 

"Not only did he attend every football game, but he also waited at the gate for each and every player to come off the field to tell them how great they played, while congratulating them or telling them to keep their head up. He was truly invested in the success of others as much as anyone. 

"John was one of the most wonderful individuals that all of us have known. To know John was to love John. Please take this opportunity to return the kindness that John spread and give back to his family, as he has given so much of himself to our youth and community."

All of the donations raised on Hrokomo's campaign will go directly to Janet and the boys, with Janet designated as the campaign’s beneficiary.

Click here for John's obituary complete with service details and here to see the GoFundMe for his family.