Rev. John F. Wake

The Reverend John F. Wake, 79, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. 

Father John was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, the beloved son of the late Eileen and William Wake, whose love and guidance remained close to his heart throughout his life. His childhood was enriched by a large and loving extended Irish family of aunts, uncles,and cousins.

He attended St. Peter College, Jersey City, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, prior to being ordained to the priesthood May 18, 1974.

Father Wake was assigned to St. Rose Parish in Belmar for two years and later served at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, in Old Bridge. He then took a leave of absence from the Diocese of Trenton, to serve as chaplain at the Christian Brothers Retreat House in St. Helena, CA. He also entered the novitiate of the Salvatorians and worked at the Christian Brothers Spiritual Center in Adamstown, MD.

He returned to Trenton in the role of parochial vicar in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, in 1985. Two years later, Father Wake was assigned to St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, as parochial vicar and was also appointed to a two-year term as a priest on the Engaged Encounter team.

On April 22, 1988, Father Wake was named pastor of St. David the King Parish, West Windsor. In August of 1994, he was assigned to St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, as parochial vicar.

Following assignments as parochial vicar of Epiphany Parish, Brick, and St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, Father Wake was appointed temporary administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, Jan. 26, 1999. He was installed as pastor on Sept. 10, 1999, and remained in that assignment until his appointment as chaplain of Morris Hall and St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center in Lawrenceville on July 2, 2010, after which he retired in 2019. 

Father John loved to travel throughout his life and career. In 2010, hetraveled to Italy, where he pursued further studies at the Vatican. He was deeply devoted to his faith and family. Some of his greatest joys came from standing beside those he loved during life’s most meaningful moments. Whether officiating a wedding, welcoming a child through baptism, or offering a special blessing, John brought the warmth of an uncle, brother, cousin, and friend to every celebration.

Father John’s dry sense of humor and memorable one-liners brought laughter to everyone around him. He loved sharing a good meal and found his greatest joy in gathering with family and friends. John treasured Sunday dinners in Forked River and outings with those closest to him.

Father John is survived by his loving sister, Ellen Brennan (Greg), loving brother, William Wake (the late James D’Eramo); his nieces and nephews, Michael, Katie, Erin, and Kerry; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Michael, Jason, Nicole, Kane, Grace, and Ella; and many loving cousins, friends, neighbors, and caregivers. 

Father John will be remembered for his deep faith, compassionate heart, and lifelong devotion to the priesthood and those he was blessed to serve. His life was a beautiful testament to his love of God and his commitment to helping others. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his honor. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Pius X, 300 Lacey Road, Forked River, New Jersey 08731. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church at 11:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at St. Catharine Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1000 West Chicago Boulevard, Sea Girt, New Jersey.

Following the interment, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of John’s life at The Breakers on the Ocean, 1507 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey.

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