John B. Ivers

John B. Ivers, 89, of Somerville passed away Wednesday, 9/7/16 at his home. Jack was born on July 14, 1927 in Philadelphia to Thomas J. Ivers and Nora W. Gormley.  After graduation from West Catholic High School in 1945, Mr. Ivers served in the US Navy.  He graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and started his career with RCA in Cherry Hill, NJ.  He traveled the world extensively for his job and retired from the Hertz Corporation in NYC in 1988 as Director of Management Information Systems.  On September 15, 1951, M. Mildred Carroll of Springfield, PA became his bride and the love of his life.  Together they raised two daughters, Mary Ellen and Anne Marie.  The family moved to Somerville in 1963.  Jack and Millie were a faith-filled couple who were deeply involved in service to the Catholic Church for many years.  Jack began his work as a youth minister in Hainesport, NJ, in the late 1950’s and in the 1960’s and 70’s the couple directed a flourishing Catholic Youth program.  In 1974 he answered the call and began his studies toward ordination as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church.  He was ordained on May 14, 1977 and served for 6 years at St. Mary’s Stony Hill, Watchung, before returning to his home parish of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Somerville.  He faithfully ministered to his church, performing baptisms, officiating at marriages, and directing his beloved RCIA program. Deacon Ivers also assisted on the Diaconate Personnel Board for the Diocese of Metuchen.  He was a leader of many bible study groups and assisted in any capacity he was needed.  He worked in the parish office for many years as well.  Jack is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mildred, his brother, Thomas Ivers (Eileen), and his sister, Sr. Honora Mary Ivers, IHM.  He is survived by two daughters, Mary Ellen Appel (Gregg), and Anne Marie Klitsch (Joseph), four grandsons, Noah and Gabriel Levine, and James and Michael Klitsch, four step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. The family of Mr. Ivers wishes to acknowledge the loving care provided by his devoted caregivers.  Visitation will be held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Friday September 9 from 4:00-8:00 PM.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 AM on Saturday September 10, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Church of the Immaculate Conception