John C. Kohl

John Charles Kohl, age 83, of West Deptford Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 12, 2026.

Originally from Pitman, NJ, and born to Leroy and Virginia Kohl, John was a man defined by his legendary patience, his steady hands, and a deep love for the water, a passion matched only by the love he held for his family. A quiet, reliable gentleman, John was a calming presence for all who knew him.

John honorably served his country as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force where his tour of duty led him to Thailand during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he spent the decades working as a mechanic and service manager building truck bodies, eventually moving on to sales. He was lovingly known amongst colleagues as the ‘Master Mechanic’.

A jack-of-all-trades, John acted as the family handyman and could be found tinkering around in his garage workshop or around the house working on various DIY projects. His other passions included NASCAR races, RV trips, tractor pulls, and spending quiet time puttering out in his garden.

While he was as capable in the workshop as he was in the garden, he found his truest joy behind the helm. His love for the sea was sparked as a young boy playing in the surf at his family’s summer home in Ocean City, New Jersey. Those formative days laid the foundation for a life spent navigating the wind and tides. Whether it was under a full sail set on course for Bermuda, or towing an innertube around the Chesapeake Bay, John loved the journey. He adored sharing his passion for boating with his family, often taking them to beloved destinations such as Annapolis, St. Michaels, Baltimore, and Chesapeake City. John also cherished quieter adventures with his family, hitching up the trailer for trips through Lancaster County and along Virginia’s Skyline Drive, where some of their most treasured memories were made.

Mother, mother ocean,

I have heard you call

Wanted to sail upon your waters

Since I was three feet tall

You’ve seen it all, you’ve seen it all

He is survived by his beloved wife and sweetheart, Claudia A. Kohl; his children, Susan Smith (Chris), Thomas Kohl (Jackie), and Chris Kohl (Heather); and his step-children, Robert Baker (Nora), Terrie Bruce (Ron), and Patrick Baker (Kate). He was the proud grandfather of Alicia, Ronnie, Bethany, Courtney, Leanna, Erica, Tommy, Alex, Erin, Claudia, Evan, Emma, Abigail, Emily; and the great-grandfather of seven. He is also survived by his sister, Jane (Kohl) McCausland, and his faithful pup, Beau.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Virginia Kohl, as well as his cherished dogs, Spencer and Mikie.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate John’s life on May 27th, 2026 at McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ. Visitation will be held at 10:00am with the service following at 11:00.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Bishop McCarthy Center in Vineland and to Ennoble Care Hospice for their compassionate support and dedicated care during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Ennoble Care Hospice

2 University Plaza Drive, Suite 100

Hackensack, NJ 07601