John P. Cree, Sr.

John Paul Cree, Sr., age 84 years, of Readington Township, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, April 17, 1939, he was the son of the late Sidney and Eleanor Cree. A long-time Hunterdon County, NJ resident, he had formerly resided in Whitehouse Station, NJ, then Flemington Borough, NJ, and finally Readington Township, NJ.

He was a 1958 graduate of Flemington High School and post-graduation went on to serve in the United States Navy before his honorable discharge in 1964.

After his service, John began a career with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. He eventually retired as Crew Supervisor after forty-one years on the job. In his spare time, John also ran “Hunt Some” Tree Service, providing arborist services to the community.

John was an ardent member and past master of Darcy Lodge #37 of Free and Accepted Masons, Frenchtown, NJ and a member of the Flemington-Raritan Rod & Gun Club.

John loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. His travels took him to Colorado and even Newfoundland, Canada, but he mostly hunted and fished locally. Additionally, John loved camping with his family at the Cedar Creek Campground for over fifty years and enjoyed making trips to Island Beach State Park, NJ.

He was also a passionate New York Jets fan and followed NASCAR, rooting for and following the career of Kyle Busch. Loquacious and outgoing, John “never met a stranger” and could be found chatting away to anyone. He was known as “Elvis” to many he met because of how extroverted and friendly he was. In his family’s words, the saying “there’s never a dull moment” really meant something when it came to spending time with John.

Surviving are his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Ivel (Porter) Cree, whom he married on December 13, 1958; his five children and their spouses, Cynthia Frascella and her husband Dan, John P. Cree, Jr. and his wife Kris, Deborah Harran and her husband Jack, Mary Wengryn and her husband Steven, and Raymond Cree and his wife Alice; five grandchildren, Rebecca Hunt and her husband Jeremy, Cody Wengryn, Catherine Frascella, Justin Cree and Patrick Cree; as well as one great-granddaughter, Vaida Hunt.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 PM and 4:00-5:00 PM at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Masonic services will begin promptly at 5:00 PM in the funeral home, followed by military honors, and traditional funeral services. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit John’s Tribute Wall at www.holcombefisher.com.