John Golden, Jr., the son of the late Marzella McGinnis Golden Burney and Johnny Golden was born in Avon Park, Florida. He came to Trenton when he was 12 years of age and was a resident of Mercer County for 72 years. With the help of his mother and Cleveland Burney (stepfather), he graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1955. Following his high school graduation, he attended Allen University in South Carolina from 1956-58. He decided to leave to support his mother and sister, Margaret Golden. His sister was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and became very ill; she finally succumbed to her illness
Six months after the death of his sister, he met and married Vilicia "Vee" on September 10, 1960. During their marriage, John returned to school; he graduated from Mercer County Community College in 1972 with honors in Social Science. He continued his education at Trenton State College receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with minors on Sociology and Psychology in 1973. Following this, he attended Rutgers University, Graduate School of Social Work in New Brunswick, NJ; majoring in Community Organization and Social Planning. He received a Master's in Social Work in 1974.
John worked as a Senior Correction Officer and Social Worker for Trenton State Prison from 1966 to 1980. He worked for N. J. Department of Education, Division of
Field Services, Garden State School District as a Program Specialist. He supervised community employment service workers located within correctional institutions, supplying information and data to make the program successful. After several years, he secured a job with N.J. Department of Human Services, Trenton Psychiatric Hospital-Forensic section; he was promoted to various positions and later retired from the State in the position of Assistant Social Worker Supervisor. Additionally, he worked with Dr. Jay Cohen in his private practice where he was able to provide psychotherapy and refer clients to community resources. After retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher for the Trenton Public School District. He also worked at the Granville Academy as a consultant; he conducted social work assessments for children with special needs. John later opened his own private practice and worked with geriatric clients.
John was a long-standing member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ; additionally, John served in the Air Force Reserve as an AI2 Class at McGuire Air Force Base from 1954-1962. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Kappa Iota Lambda and a Mason of King David Lodthe National Association of Social Work and the National Association of Black Social Workers.
One of his most rewarding community organizing events was working with the late Sonny Vereen, organizer of the Goosetown Cabaret Proceeds from the cabaret went to deserving students who attended Trenton Central High School.
He had several hobbies, including singing at various venues, especially the Candlelight Lounge in Trenton, NJ; singing songs from Arthur Prysock and Frank Sinatra. He loved and collected classical jazz music; enjoyed vacations which included family reunions, attending NFL Superbowls, and traveling the world with his loving wife. John loved politics; he held community meetings in his home for politicians he supported. He also served as committee man for "Decou Village", a designated area of Hamilton Township, he spent many hours registering new voters and keeping citizens informed of upcoming legislation and laws. In addition, he participated on the Steering Committee of the Association of Interested Minorities in Hamilton, NJ from 1991-2003.
Mr. Golden wore many different hats and provided many feats for the good of mankind. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Vilicia J. Golden of 60 years, son, John T. Golden {Angela), daughter, Kimberley Golden, granddaughter, Bianca Watkins Golden, great grandsons, Gabriel Vasquez Watkins and Bryson Watkins. One aunt, Mary Jane Ross of Gainesville, Florida and two special cousins, Martha Black (Douglas) and Mary Jean Waters. His caregivers, She'yl Thompson, the Brown family, Helen Good and a host of family and friends.
 Services will be 12 – 2pm Monday, September 14, 2020 at the Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Ave, Trenton, NJ, 08618. Interment will be private.
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