Owner of the Nutley Pub
John William Cowan, of Nutley, passed away peacefully on July 11 at his home in Nutley. John was born in Newark, NJ to Frank and Jeanette (Young) Cowan on the Marine Corps birthday of November 10. He graduated from high school in Irvington, along with several who would become his lifelong friends. John is also a graduate of Kean College. A “self-made man” and serial entrepreneur, John may be best known as the owner of the infamous Nutley Pub, an extension of his home where he guided and mentored so many.
After graduating with an accounting degree at Caldwell College, John earned his CPA at 62 and began his own accounting business. Among his many achievements and honors in the community were the Jaycees “Business Man of the Year”, “Deputy Grand Marshall” of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and member of the National Guard.
John will be remembered for his mentorship, generous spirit and compassion: He sponsored many sports teams, and most notable a team to benefit the Nutley “Special Young Adults”. John was known for his world famous corned beef that he provided free-of-charge to parade-goers in Nutley every St. Patrick’s Day…thousands of pounds during his proprietorship of the Nutley Pub.
Of special importance to John was to have the honor of a new thriving business as his namesake. Founded by Thomas and Dean Maroulakos, “Cowan’s Public” occupies the same space that had once been home to the Nutley Pub.
John is survived by his beloved companion Sharon Ramsey, her sons Jon and Jason, who consider John their father, his brother Tommy, his lifelong friend Ronnie, his grandchildren, godchildren, and dear friends. To John, dear friends are family.
The funeral service will be held at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St., Nutley at 6:30 p.m.
The interment will be held at Indian Orchard Cemetery in Honesdale, PA in a private ceremony.
Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Saturday July 15th from 3-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the John Cowan Memorial Fund at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be preferred.
John’s family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Lisa Mills and the staff at Summit Medical Group. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Harry and Patty Maroulakos for their loyalty and compassion for John at his greatest time of need.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of John William Cowan, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.