Obituary of John P. La Place
John Peter La Place, 59, a resident of Bradley Beach, NJ, died unexpectedly on October 28, 2023. John’s legacy will be his extraordinary kindness, love and the many lives he touched. His friends and family will remember John’s selfless devotion to those closest to him and to those who asked for his help. His easy, bright smile and tremendous sense of humor will be greatly missed.
In recent years, John found great joy spending time with family and dear friends on morning walks along the Jersey Shore; attending live concerts and sporting events; taking trips related to his fantasy sports leagues; swing dancing; and participating in charity walks/races. He also found joy in passionate debates about sports teams, current events and public affairs. His love of Earth, Wind & Fire, the Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys was unmatched.
John was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on May 31, 1964. He grew up in Piscataway and attended Piscataway Public Schools. John, always an enthusiastic team member, was thrilled to play Pop Warner football and then to be a member of the Piscataway High School football team. He treasured his teammates and his time as a Chief. After graduating from Piscataway High School, John matriculated at Glassboro State College (Rowan University). There, he majored in Communications and Public Relations and was the president of the PR Student Association, Glassboro chapter. Upon graduation, he pursued a career in the field of public relations and worked primarily in media relations for corporations including KPMG, Deloitte and Ernst and Young. He was an accomplished communications executive with experience leading high-performing global public relations and social media teams.
John was a gracious and loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, godfather and friend. He is survived by his beloved siblings: Michael La Place Jr. of Westfield NJ; Clare La Place Polomski of Blythewood, SC; and Anne La Place Zernicke of Natick, MA and his brothers-in-law: Paul Polomski and Dr. Paul Haskell Zernicke. He will be greatly missed by family members and his adoring nephews and nieces: Paul Polomski Jr. of Franklin, MA, his wife Sarah and their children; Patrick Polomski of McAdenville, NC, his wife Siobhan and their children; Clare Polomski of Charlotte, NC; Dr. Lincoln Zernicke of Boston, MA and Elizabeth Zernicke and her fiance Matthew Naser of Medfield, MA.
The La Place family will be receiving relatives and friends for the Memorial Gathering on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5-8pm in the Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway NJ. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 beginning at 9:30am in the funeral home. Immediately following the funeral service, John’s cremated remains will be placed to rest at Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s honor to either: The National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health www.nimh.nih.gov/about/connect-with-nimh/donate-to-mental-health-research Mt. Sinai Morningside Hospital Cardiology Department www.giving.mountsinai.org/site