Born on December 17, 1934 in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of the late Howard and Jennie Kaiser. He lived in Raritan, NJ where he and Joyce worked and raised their family. John and Joyce retired to Greenwood, SC in November, 2001.

John, a self-educated man, worked for NJ Transit as a train engineer out of the Raritan yard in NJ. He retired in 1989.

As an avid and talented whistler with great appreciation and passion for music; all five of his children learned to sing and play a variety of instruments from piano to bassoon. John enjoyed reading books by Louis L’Amour, connecting with friends and family on Facebook and was a “Mr. Fix-it” like no other. He especially loved imparting his words of wisdom to his children and grandchildren; “patience and perseverance” and “I thrive on adversity” were just two of his favorites. With a unique and wonderful sense of humor; John will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his five children, Denise Wendel (Kevin) of Laurel, MD, Dianne Cosgrave (Tim) of Harvard, MA, Deborah Burd (Scott) of Belvidere, NJ, John Kaiser II (Jill) of Berwick, PA, and Jay Kaiser of Greenwood, SC; 14 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Howard Kaiser and a sister, Susan McLaughlin. He was preceded in death by one brother, Theodore Kaiser.

Calling hours will be Sunday, 12/29/2013, between the hours of 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm., at the family residence -107 W. Northside Drive, Greenwood. A remembrance service will be announced for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, Inc., 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com. Parker-White Funeral Home, Ware Shoals, in charge of arrangements.