Obituary of John L Lane

John “Ace” Lane, 76, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at home.

Born in Plainfield to the late John Lewis and Aleathea  (Allen) Lane, John grew up in Passaic graduating from Passaic High School in 1968, John continued his education in Montclair State University John and received his bachelor’s degree in information technology.  During his time in college, John was the yearbook editor and school paper photographer.   

Known as “Ace” to many in the auto racing world, he was a second generation and well respected award – winning photographer. He is the recipient of the 2022 Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame’s Andrew S. Fusco Award for Media Excellence, an award his late father was honored to receive in 1995.   Throughout the years, Ace captured countless races on the race tracks of New Jersey while sharing his passion of racing as well as photography with his sons continuing the family legacy.  Ace also had a passion for racing himself, building and racing RC cars and go-karts.

Predeceased by his two son, John “John John” Lane and Little Johnny Simmons as well as three siblings, Regina, Ronnie and Frank, Jr., surviving are his sons, Tommy Lane and James Simmons and his wife Crystal and sisters, Francyne Pittman, Florence Lango, Barbara Shaw, Loraine Gray, Theresa Payne along with his nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends in the racing world.

He will also be missed by his three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Ace’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 10AM – 12PM in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield NJ 07080 with services beginning at 11:30AM.