John Biddle Foley, 95 of Phillipsburg, NJ died Monday, January 23, 2023 at home. Born February 23, 1927 in Park Ridge, NJ he was a son of the late Joseph and Sibyl (Abbott) Foley. He was a graduate of Blairstown High School where he loved theatre and baseball. He served in the Navy on the USS Topeka off the coast of Japan during WWII.
He received his bachelor’s degree from The New Jersey Teacher’s College in 1951 and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. He taught Industrial Arts at Philipsburg High School for many years before retiring in 1984 and was known as “Flash Foley” for taking pictures at sporting events and for the yearbook. John was also very proud of his restoration work on the school clock. He volunteered at the Firth Youth Center in Phillipsburg, where he was honored with the Community Service Award and he served on the Shade Tree Commission.
John built his own home in Phillipsburg (living there his whole life) including a putting green where he taught the neighbor kids to golf. He met his wife, the former Shirley (Scott) Smith, on the CB radio (he was Captain Jack, she was Shotgun Shirley), they married in 1984 and spent 34 years together before her passing in 2017. They enjoyed their cabin in the Poconos, where he loved to cut wood for heating and they loved camping in Canada with friends, where he fished on the St. Lawrence from his boat.
He is survived by his beloved family: his stepdaughter: Cindy Moskella and her husband Michael; 5 grandchildren: Carin Kocher (one of his primary caregivers in his last years), Jessica Pretopapa, Jaclyn Best, Christopher and Alexander Smith; 5 great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Carly, Chase, Rowan and Rylan; and his sister: Mary Ellen Schwartz. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, brothers: Joseph, Peter, Andrew and David Foley and stepson: John K. Smith.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 11 AM, Friday, Feb. 3 at Union Cemetery, New Williams, Morgan Hill Rd., Easton. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
The family wishes to express special thanks to all his care givers over the years, especially Helen who was his guardian angel and with him the day he left this earth and gratitude to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice’s wonderful, supportive team. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you take a moment to hug your children, grandchildren or friend or walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day…as time waits for no one.
Jamie quick
January 25, 2023 at 7:52 pm
I had the pleasure of taking care of John. He had such great stories. A great heart, a joking personality. He met my boys and my husband and that made his day. I remember my husband brought him a mcdonalds coffee. He loved his coffee and his treats . John you have definitely touched my heart and my family’s. You will be missed by so many. I know your wife was there in your last moments to take you to heaven.
Matt Pavkovic
January 26, 2023 at 6:56 am
Mr Foley was a good neighbor for many years . He had a lot of patience with the neighborhood kids , myself included and would always factually answer my questions about the natural world . We learned a great deal from him .John was always there to help people , too. He will be missed…
Ed DeHart
January 26, 2023 at 10:59 am
I am a 1964 graduate of PHS. Had 4 years of woodworking and a member of the camera club. There were 3-4 individuals during my early years that played a part in my development. Mr Foley was one of them! I have reflected on the values he shared with me and have carried them with me throughout my life. Responsibility, organization, demeanor, and taking responsibilities are just a few. Great person, that touched many individuals throughout his life. He will be missed. Ed DeHart
Deborah and Bill Toth
January 26, 2023 at 8:10 pm
So sorry for your loss,Cindy❤it is a blessing that Karen was his caregiver 🙏he is now in Heaven with your mama,you now have 2 special Angels🙏
John James Stana
January 31, 2023 at 10:30 am
I had a great experience of having Mr. Foley as a woodworking teacher while in high school. His attention to detail in class was incredible. After graduating from college in 1966 I became an Industrial Arts teacher at Phillipsburg High School. Mr. Foley then became my colleague and eventually my department supervisor. I remember John repairing the clock tower, straightening the flag pole in front of the school, building the refreshment stand at the football stadium, working on his big boat in my auto shop, taking my son and I out on his boat in Canada fishing. Thank you Mr. Foley/John. You were an amazing man!