Deacon John A Singler II

Deacon John A. Singler II of Tottenville, Staten Island, passed away on August 23, 2024 at age 85. 

John was born June 7, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY and grew up and made his life on Staten Island. He married Judith Nora Devaney on June 17, 1961 and they moved to Tottenville in 1967. John was a “legendary” dad of four, John (Shawna), Caroline, Timothy (Sharon) and Rosemary. He was a cherished Pop-Pop to six grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly), Allyson, Kevin (Carlie), Nicholas, Olivia (Dan) and Timothy, and Pop pop pop to 6 great- grandchildren, Luke, Hudson, Layla, Logan, Sloane and Rory.

John attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Elementary School, then graduated from the Augustian Academy in 1956, where he was a track and cross country athlete. He went to St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, class of 1960 then received his Master's Degree in education from Wagner College.  He was also in the United States Marine Corps Reserves (Inactive).

Are there words to describe Deacon Singler? Pal. Counselor. Loyal defender. Voice of reason. Useful-thing lender. Listener. Sharer. Warm hug giver. Tried and true. Friend of the Heart. 

Deacon John was a lifelong educator.  He started teaching at Staten Island Academy, then spent thirty-two years with the NYC Board of Education. He taught at I.S. 24 (Myra S. Barnes Intermediate School) from its opening until his retirement in 1994.  After retirement, he served as Principal at St. Rita’s and Our Lady Help of Christian's (OLHC) schools, and also taught at St. Patrick’s and St.Joseph-by-the Sea High School.

He was a member of Our Lady Help of Christian's Parish for over fifty-five years  It was there that he answered God’s Call to Serve and was ordained to the Permanent Deaconate of the Archdiocese of New York on May 14, 1988. He lived his calling and served at OLHC for the duration of his ministry.  John and Judy were active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter ministry for over thirty years; taught Natural Family Planning on Staten Island for the Archdiocese of New York.  He was an advisor for CYO Teen Federation and athletic programs and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Stolzenthaler Council.  He also worked at Mt. Loretto (Mission of the Immaculate Virgin) in the late 60’s and 70’s. Deacon John taught Confirmation/Sexuality Programs throughout the Archdiocese and Catechism training for Catholic School Teachers

He coached track and swimming.  His voice was distinctive at the poolside or in the stands.  For many years he was the voice you heard at the South Shore Swim Club swim meets.  He was also an avid sports lover - a fan of any and all New York teams and University of Notre Dame.

Deacon John touched countless lives: whether you were blessed to be a part of his family, a family friend, a young couple preparing for marriage, or one of the thousands of children and adults he taught. He celebrated with people at the happiest times in their lives, performing marriages and baptisms, and he was there in times of crisis and stress. He had an incredible gift of bringing comfort to families in their sorrow and grief.

You could be a friend or a random stranger he crossed paths with, and he pressed the perfect Saint coin into your hand that you carry around with you today. 

Deacon John certainly left his mark. He had the gift of knowing just what to say, whether it was what someone wanted to hear or not. He spoke the truth from his heart with love and care. He was a humble Servant of God who could see into a person and sense what they needed most. The words in his homilies were thoughtful, loving, inspiring, thought-provoking, challenging and when asked how he did it, he gave credit to the Holy Spirit.

John is predeceased by his parents John and Genevieve (nee Kilminster), and sister Ellen. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Nora Singler (nee Devaney) of 63 years; children, John (Shawna), Caroline, Timothy (Sharon), and Rosemary; grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly), Allyson, Kevin (Carlie), Nicholas, Olivia (Dan) and Timothy; great -grandchildren, Luke, Hudson, Layla, Logan, Sloane and Rory; his sisters, Joan Chilvers and Mary Jane Bastiaans and brother & sister-in-law Patrick Devaney and Eileen Chisholm, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins who were all cherished members of his family.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations in Deacon John Singler's name can be made to Franciscan Friars of the Renewal https://www.franciscanfriars.com/donate , Franciscan Sisters of Renewal https://www.franciscansisterscfr.com/donate , or Tunnels to Towers Foundation