Ariel John Moreno

Branchburg, NJ

Ariel John Moreno, 78, of Branchburg, NJ, affectionately known as "AJ" or "John," passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Born on October 3, 1946, John was the son of Noemi Gonzalez and Valdemar Moreno. He was raised in New York City, and spent summers in Puerto Rico visiting his grandmother, Laura Rubin and his beloved extended family. From a young age, John was an independent spirit. He spent his youth running through the neighborhood with friends, always drawn to adventure and the bonds of friendship. His path in early adulthood reflected that same boldness, marked by loyalty and a desire to chart his own course.

Throughout his years, John embraced an active and disciplined lifestyle. He began as an avid runner, cyclist, and weightlifter, and later found passion in hiking, martial arts, and target shooting. He took pride in his independence, found joy in movement, and valued the strength that came from both body and mind.

John was always a career-minded individual. Starting out locally, he worked as a Police Administrative Aide in New York City, handling small investigations and providing interpretation support for interrogations. He then shifted his sights to the digital sector, earning his associate degree from the Academy of Aeronautics. John went on to build a career in internet security and

network management, working for several national and multi-national companies including Panasonic, Johnson & Johnson, GAF, and BNP Paribas.

An artist at heart, John developed a passion for sculpture and sketching from an early age. His creative spirit also extended into a love of music; his family could often hear him singing to his favorite disco and soul songs, and see him dancing to smooth jazz. He also had a special fondness for Christmas, not just for the celebration, but for the spirit of kindness and peace it brought each year.

John cherished memorable outings with his children; whether spending the day at Six Flags, going apple or pumpkin picking, horseback riding, or spending time under a shady umbrella at the beach. And as a devoted dog lover, John poured his heart into raising and training his cherished Great Danes, Duke and Lady. In his golden years, his grandchildren knew him best

for his well-earned naps; Grandpa could always be found dozing off to a favorite TV show on the couch.

For the last 17 years of his life, he was married to his dear wife, Margaret Mary (Maggie), who was the heart of his happiness and a steady source of love and strength. Together, they embraced the rollercoaster of life with its highs, lows, and everything in between, creating countless memories along the way.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Noemi and Valdemar, and by his beloved brother, Edward J. Perez. He is survived by his devoted wife, Maggie; his son, Rene Moreno; and his daughters: Chelsea and her husband Tom O'Mullane, Brittany and her husband Jon Del Duca, Tiffany Moreno, and Ashley and her husband Brendan Bilcheck.

He also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Ella, Audrey, Vincent, James, and Leo; and his extended family in New Jersey and Puerto Rico.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Sunday, August 24 from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. John on the Mountain, 379 Mt Harmony Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.