John Patrick Wiggins III

January 20, 1946 - February 12, 2018

John Patrick Wiggins III, age 72, of Pennsville, NJ, passed away on Monday, Feb. 12 in his home with family by his side. Born in Philadelphia, he grew up on North Shore Road in Penns Grove. John was very proud to be in the U.S. Marine Corp., serving his country for two years in the Vietnam War. He was most currently a member of the Pennsville VFW and former Commander of the Penns Grove VFW. As a resident in Pennsville Towers, John enjoyed socializing, being dubbed the “unofficial Mayor of the Towers.” He took the lead organizing many events there including the weekly Bingo night and Friends Gathering. He also enjoyed cooking; he was famous for his chicken pot-pie and crab cakes. John’s favorite pastime was fishing; he could be found fishing for trout at Shadler’s Pond, surf fishing on the Delaware River and crabbing in the backwaters of LAC. During his life, he worked at the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard and DuPont Chambers Works where he worked as a rigger before retiring after about 20 years of service. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Dania and William Schweitzer; his son and daughter-in-law John Patrick IV and Tracy Wiggins; his son and daughter-in-law Mike and Cecile Eveland; his grandchildren, Meghan, Erica, Emmi Rose, Brody Patrick, Dakota, and Kaitlyn. His is also survived by his sisters Betty LaMotte, Margie Lyster, and Jackie Strickler as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John Patrick Wiggins Jr. and Nona Halbe and his brother, William Wiggins. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Ashcraft Funeral Home, 740 S. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ and a viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in Salem County Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pennsville VFW at 171 S. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ, 08070. www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com