John V. Rachel ’51
Source: https://proutfuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-rachel-2024
Mr. John V. Rachel died Saturday March 21, 2026, in West Orange, NJ. He was 96 years old. Born in Orange, NJ, to Clemence J. And Nora M. Rachel, John grew up in East Orange, attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in 1947 and four years later from St. Michael’s College in Vermont with a Batchelor of Science degree.
He served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1954 aboard the destroyer USS Moale 693 as a Communications Officer, Lt. JG. The day after returning from his service in the Korean Conflict, he joined his brother-in-law, William H. Connolly, in the property/casualty insurance business earning the nationally recognized degree of Certified Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). After a considerable career, he retired in 1997 with the accolades of all with whom he worked and served testifying to his professionalism, honesty and dedication to his clients.
John was an active member of Our Lady of the Lake parish in Verona, serving as a Trustee of the Parish, and Our Lady of the Lake Endowment Trust and as an advisor to the pastors for 25 years. He was also an avid golfer at Essex Fells Country Club for 38 years where he also served as a trustee and House Chairman.
He was fortunate enough to meet the love of his life, Rose Frain from Hasbrouck Heights, NJ in 1956. They were married in 1959 at Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. They were married for 67 years.
He is survived by Rose and their two children, Elizabeth Dubits and John W. Rachel; Liz’ s husband Stephen Dubits and their children Haley Elizabeth and Sean Vincent; and by John’s daughter, Julia Rose Rachel.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Clemence and sisters, Dolores Connolly and Elizabeth “Betty” Gauthier.
He is already missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is basking in eternal happiness with God.
He will be best remembered sitting in his beach chair in LBI, a cold beer in hand and a contented smile across his face.