John V. Willenborg, Longtime Montauker

John Victor Willenborg of Vero Beach, Fla., who as a year-round resident of Montauk had helped spearhead the drive to build a new building for the growing congregation of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, died on Aug. 28 at the Palm Garden Health and Rehabilitation Center in Vero Beach, three weeks after his 75th birthday. He had been in declining health in recent months and died in his sleep, a member of his family said. 

Mr. Willenborg and his family began summering in Montauk in the 1970s, eventually settling year round in a house on Davis Drive. He was a Eucharistic minister at St. Therese as well as a reader. He also was a member of the Montauk Lions Club. 

Christopher J. Willenborg of Southwick, Mass., said his father loved playing tennis and that the family had a court of their own on Davis Drive. He enjoyed long walks on the beaches near Hither Hills, particularly at night when he could stargaze. He also played pool and collected stamps and coins.

He was born in Jersey City on Aug. 5, 1942, to John Willenborg and the former Victoria Maennlle, and grew up in Leonia, N.J. He attended Fairfield University, but eventually  joined the family business, C&J Willenborg, a food importer. 

He married Christa Paon, and in addition to their son, they had a daughter, Dr. Laura Walsh, now of Stafford, Va. The young family lived first in Hoboken, N.J., and then in Ramsey, N.J., before coming to Montauk. Mr. Willenborg, who had also lived in Upper Saddle River, N.J., sold his share of the family business in the mid-1980s, buying the property on Davis Drive. 

The couple loved traveling and went on trips to Europe, Israel, Egypt, and the Caribbean. He continued his world travels after their divorce, adding Japan and Korea to his itinerary. 

Mr. Willenborg’s children survive, as does his former wife, who lives in Montauk, five grandchildren, and two sisters, Gerda Della Valle of Vero Beach and Joan Cosgrove of Mahwah, N.J. He also is survived by a close friend, Suki Willenborg of Japan.

 He had moved to Florida, and the family suggested contributions in his memory to the Fort Pierce Lions Club, P.O. 1052, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34954-1052.

A private graveside service will be held on Sept. 30 at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.