Obituary of John Francis Ribakusky

John "Jack" Ribakusky passed away peacefully at the New Jersey Firemen's home on January 18, 2018 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 84. Born in Mountain View, NJ, Jack graduated from Pompton Lakes High school in 1951 and then enjoyed a career as a tool and dye maker. He was a devoted husband, happily married to the late Luella (Schupferling) for 55 years. Together, they raised their family in Mt. Arlington. Jack, with the support of Luella, owned and operated J&L Machine Company in Mt. Arlington and the "Lost River," a ride at Bertrand Island Amusement Park from 1968-78. He was very active in his community, frequently volunteering his professional machinist skills to neighbors needed help with odd jobs. Jack was a member of the Mt. Arlington Fire Department, joining the company in 1961 and served as chief 1966-1967. Jack was a member of the Our Lady of the Lake Parish and served as an usher for many years. Jack will be missed and remembered as a loving father who enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and family gatherings. Jack is survived by his four children, John, his wife Deborah of Succasunna and their children Jeff, Amanda and Linda; Jim, his wife Carol and their daughter Meaghann of Marshalls Creek, PA; Deborah Templin, her husband Mark of Randolph and their children Kristin (her children Evan and Hailey) and Mark; and Donna Groncki and her sons Nick and Pete of York, PA. Jack is also survived by his sister Katherine (Kay) Shortway of Blairstown, NJ. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Church Mt. Arlington on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Mt. Arlington Fire Department PO Box 56, Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 or a charity of your choice.