John E. Hodum

John E. Hodum passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 5, in Delran, New Jersey. John was born in north Jersey in 1974, where he lived until the family moved to Delran in 1978. John was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and nephew. As a friend, John was as loyal as they come. John is survived by his rock star wife, Ashley and Clan of Three, Brennan, Carrick, and Dahlia, and his parents, Frank and Marion of Cinnaminson, NJ. He will be greatly missed by his brother, Frank J. Hodum (Angela), his niece Alyssa, his nephews, James, and Nathan, his aunts, Janet Hansen (Allan), Eileen Wignall (Kevin), Andrea Palevo (Phil), and many cousins including Deborah Bradl (Mike), Beth Ann Vargo (Bill), Allison Hansen, Linda Hansen, Eric Wignall, Devon Frongillo (Mike), Sean Wignall (Patricia), Dan Palevo (Kaitlyn), Cheryl Randall (Skye), and many, many friends. John attended St. Charles Borromeo School, Holy Cross High School, and graduated from Temple University which included a semester in Rome when he was able to do much traveling, especially visiting all things Viking. This love of travel was evident throughout his conversations with all those he encountered. He graduated with a BA Degree in Business Administration, which led to his career in warehousing management in a variety of areas, both locally and overseas. As a young boy and beyond, John was involved in many sports including Pop Warner Football, Delran Little League, and swimming with Pheasant Run Swim Club for many summers. John even dabbled in ice hockey for a short time, irritating his dad when his interest faded within two weeks of purchasing an entire set of goalie pads and skates. In high school, he was on the golf and football teams. Years earlier, after witnessing a super play by running back Tony Dorsett, he became an ardent Dallas Cowboy fan which was the basis for “energetic banter” with Eagle fans in the area and his dad, a lifelong Giants fan. He especially enjoyed participating in Fantasy Football with his many friends for over 20 years. John also loved the Jersey Shore, especially “Seaside”. He had fond memories of time spent with his Grammie and Pop Pop there, building sand castles, carving wood, fishing and just walking along the shore. For them, he even gave in to the annual family picture following our Christmas brunches. Although John never played an instrument, his passion for music was sparked by his cousins, Deb and Beth when they introduced him to the rock band, Kiss, at an early age. As young teenagers, John and his brother Frank attended several rock concerts like Metallica and Def Leppard where they had to stand on chairs to see the stage because they were too short. This ultimately led to the job he cherished the most, working event security for concerts and festivals. Working these functions took him from Chicago to Colorado to Atlantic City. In contrast, one of his most memorable assignments was on Pope Francis’s security detail during his 2015 visit to Philadelphia. John’s innate ability to be audacious gained much respect from all those who worked with him. It was in that same year, 2015, that he met his future wife and musical soulmate, Ashley, at The Electric Factory in Philly. In 2020, they were married in the backyard of John’s childhood home. They shared a love of traveling, music, and attending concerts which included a Kiss concert in Amsterdam. They constantly shared many late night conversations sharing their dreams for the future. Friends are invited to a viewing and service at Givnish Funeral Home, 1200 US 130, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077, Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2500 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, NJ on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Musicopia, Philadelphia, PA or Tunnels to Towers

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John E. Hodum

April 5, 2023