John Francis Caulfield

John Francis Caulfield born December 27, 1941, passed away peacefully at Lankenau Hospital on March 9, 2022 surrounded by his family. Born to his loving parents, John and Mary and grew up on S. Lynn Boulevard. He attended St. Laurence Elementary School and Msgr. Bonner High School. John was a bartender for several years in his father’s bars in Philadelphia and New York City before becoming an insurance agent working the "debit". His real claim to fame was his stint as an original “Essential” with doo-wop group "Billy and the Essentials" from 1959-1962. His hit songs were “Over the Weekend”, “Maybe You’ll Be There” and “The Dance is Over”. John was proud of his 31 years of sobriety which he attributed to the support of his loving wife of 41 years, Lucille (nee D’Alonzo) and Alcoholics Anonymous. John was a big sports fan, a perfectionist and loved his family though he admitted he had difficulty expressing his affection. He was extremely proud of his children and their many accomplishments.

He is survived by his sons: John (Colleen) and Joseph (Morganne); daughters: Teresa Butler (Scott), Christine Liebel (Brian), Jacqueline Boswell (Troy Laypo), Allison Garfinkel (Brian) and Julie Ann (Alex Gladstone); siblings: Teresa Nagle, James (Allyson), Michael (Kathleen), Jackie Gallina (Bob) and Marianne Meehan (Cliff); John was known as Pop Pop to his 13 grandchildren: Christopher, Nicholas, Andrew, John E., Jillian, Claudia, Brian, John Liebel, Mark, Julian, Abigail, Isabel and Shira, his 6 great-grandchildren: Joshua, Andrew, Evangeline, Zoë, Silas and Blake and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by siblings John, Thomas and Maureen.

Family and friends are invited to John’s visitation on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 9:30 am until 10:50 am. at St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. Funeral Mass at 11 am. Interment following Mass at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. **Please use back parking lot at St. Laurence if you will be joining us for the procession to church. Please turn down St. Laurence Road from West Chester Pike (it's in between the two gas stations). Once you pass St. Laurence Rectory, the driveway to the back parking lot is on the left.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name can be made to Alcoholics Anonymous .