Edward Francis John Jr.

Edward Francis John Jr. was called home to his parents and God at Lehigh Valley Hazleton Hospital on Monday night after a courageous battle with cancer. He fought for his life despite all of the pain that he endured.

 Ed was employed by the Hershey Company for over 40 years, working as a Maintenance Supervisor. He also was the owner of Ed’s Awnings and Tent Rentals, along with digging graves and cutting grass for numerous cemeteries throughout the area since he was 12 years old. He believed strongly in working hard for what you want — he was undoubtedly the hardest worker that you could ever meet; and every penny he ever earned was never spent selfishly. He never sighed, he never complained. He worked his hands to the bone each and every day and night and continued to do so until the day before his passing.

Ed John was the life of every party and if you knew him, you knew that. He could make anyone laugh, no matter what the situation was. He was witty and charming and the goofiest man that you would ever come to know — but he was also by far, the kindest, most generous man to walk this earth.

He lit up a room like no other individual. He took you in and made you feel right at home, even if he had never met you. He loved life and he loved his family, and he loved God.

 Ed found pleasure in the little things in life; like a sunny day, or an ice-cold Budweiser, or even a pair of $20.00 sneakers he found on sale at Dunham’s. He loved his wife more than anything in the world and he showed her that every single day. He loved to cook for his family and dance in the kitchen to 50’s Rock and Roll while saying, “I’m a damn good cook, aren’t I?” He loved calling his wife to say hello at work and greeting her on every phone call with “Hey, Pretty Momma.” He enjoyed FaceTiming his daughter and watching her cook (even though she wasn’t the best at it) and spending time with his son, Tyler, by watching the Discovery Channel together or working on side projects around the house. He loved to travel the world with his family and create the memories that will now be cherished for a lifetime.

He met his wife, Andrea, whom he loved dearly and went on to have two children. He loved his family immensely and gave them the most perfect life.

In January of 2023, Ed was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and was given six months to live. He fought so hard that he went on to live 18 months later, living his life to the absolute fullest and enjoying every second that he was given. God decided he was too good for this world and decided to end his suffering on Labor Day (a bit ironic given his incredible work ethic). During his remaining time left on this earth, he continued to do the things that made him happiest — spend time with family, go to the beach, sing karaoke and dance by himself at a beach bar (until of course everyone joined in). He continued to laugh and smile and love his family like nothing was wrong because he was brave and strong and refused to let cancer define his life — because he was Ed John and no one could do life quite like Ed John.

Preceding him in death was his Mother, Rosemary Dempsey-John and his Father, Edward F. John Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Marasiak-John, his two children, Tyler John and Brianna John, his sister, Theresa John-Sugrue, and his brother, Joseph John, along with his nieces and nephews, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Ed was the epitome of hard work, love, and a good time. He loved his family more than life itself and showed that every single chance he got. We know that he is not in pain anymore and that he is dancing and singing in heaven being the goofball he always was — the goofball that everyone knew and loved tremendously. He always used to joke and say, “You guys are gonna miss this when I’m gone one day” and we all surely do. We will miss this amazing man for the rest of our lives. The family is grateful for the endless love and support that everyone has shown not only to them in this difficult time, but also to Ed throughout his incredible journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 9th at 10:00am in the St. Teresa of Calcutta Church, Mahanoy City, and will be officiated by Fr. Kevin Gallagher.  A visitation for family and friends will take place from 9:00 to 10:00am in the church.  Burial will immediately follow in St. Canicus Cemetery, Mahanoy City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was a cause that Ed always donated to.

The James P. Haughney Funeral Home with assistance from the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc. are entrusted with the arrangements.

To offer condolences, please visit:  www.oravitzhomeforfunerals.com

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