John Fixl Obituary

John Fixl entered into eternal life on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, with his family by his side.

He was the son of the late John and Mary Astl Fixl, who both immigrated to the United States from Austria. John was born April 21, 1936, in Allentown, in the Guthsville Hotel (more recently Magnolia's Vineyard), his family's business. He was the loving husband of Mary Hughes Fixl, with whom he shared 53 beautiful years of marriage.

John graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1954, where he formed many wonderful life-long friendships. He completed a B.A. and M.A. at Villanova University, followed by doctoral studies at Lehigh and Temple universities. John began his 44-year teaching career in the English Department at King's College in 1961. He also served in various administrative roles, including associate dean of continuing education and registrar. During that time, he counseled countless adult students, many of whom would never have attained their degrees without his help and advice He founded the King's College chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the National Honor Society for Adult Learners and served as National President for four years. He also established the Computer Application Program for the Liberal Arts and was one of the first faculty to utilize technology to enhance student learning. John was named the Manus-Cooney Distinguished Professor of Humanities and also granted Professor Emeritus upon his retirement. One article written about John noted: "Kind. Gentle. Understanding. Walk around the King's campus and those are the words used most often to describe John Fixl."

John belonged to St. Jude's Parish, Mountain Top, for over 45 years, where he served in many roles, including the bishop's annual appeal chairman, executive committee member of the parish counsel and lector. When John and Mary moved to Allentown, they joined St. Thomas More Parish, where he was grateful for the recent parking lot Masses that gave him the opportunity to continue to receive the Eucharist.

Always sharp as a tack, he was a voracious reader who instilled a deep passion for learning in his family and students. When he was not reading, listening to the André Rieu orchestra or watching British comedy, you could find John rooting for Villanova's basketball team and the Phillies. Most importantly, he was always rooting for his daughters and his grandchildren. John was the quintessential family man, strong and brilliant with "soft edges." He truly embodied Christ in his calm and compassionate strength. His unwavering positive energy and humility will continue to inspire and teach those who were blessed to know him for many, many years to come.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marie Sechler and Anna Salvator; and his son-in-law, Patrick Jenkins.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Christine (Luis) Alvarez; Amy Jenkins, with whom he resided; and Mimi (Thomas) Murphy; his grandchildren, Connor, John Luis, Michael, Christopher, Jack, Morghan, Sean, George and Dylan; and nieces, Barbara Scarlato; and Helen Lentz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Thomas More Church. Live-stream of the funeral can be accessed on the parish website (stmchurchallentown.org) or through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjQszypym6mQ52flx-UG9A.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Arrangements are by Stephens Funeral Home Inc., www.stephensfuneral.com.

John's family is extremely grateful for the excellent care he received at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the King's College Presidential Hope Fund, 133 North River St., Wilkes-Barre (https://www.kingsalumni.info/s/73/k19/interior.aspx?sid=73&gid=1&pgid=1527&cid=2859&ecid=2859&crid=0&calpgid=12&calcid=709).

Published by Citizens Voice on Jan. 15, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown.

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I was a student at King’s during the 70s.As a newly declared English major,I took Mr.Fixl’s Shakespeare class.I enjoyed having him as a teacher so much that I registered for another class the following semester.Unfortunately,he had taken the job as Dean and wouldn’t be teaching the course.When I spoke to him about the class change he was so kind and he gave me the courage to take the course anyway.Fifty years later I have never forgotten his kind words to me.
I will always remember him and will remember you,his family,in my prayers.

Jamie Bellew Reese ‘73

Student

February 17, 2021

Anne Lewis & The Labuda Family

February 15, 2021

Dear Mary and family,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. We pray that God will give all of you strength and comfort through this difficult time. John was a wonderful person that everyone loved in the neighborhood. May John Rest In Peace.
Appleyard-Engel Families

Jeanne Engel-Appleyard

January 16, 2021

Sorry to hear about the passing of John. I have many fond memories of spending time your family while visiting my grandparents next door. My heart is with you all during this difficult time.

Sarah Jacobelli

Friend

January 16, 2021

I’m so very sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Les Nicholas

Friend

January 15, 2021

Dear Mary and family,
I am sorry to hear of Johns passing , he was a good and kind man.
You are in my prayers.
God Bless,
Rita Kania

Rita Kania

Friend

January 15, 2021

Mrs Mary Fixl & family

Sorry for your loss John was a true gentleman

Dr George & Rosemary Coar

George Coar

Friend

January 15, 2021

John was a rookie professor at King’s when I came for a quality education and play basketball for the monarchs. He gave me plenty of car rides to Scanlon Field House for basketball practice while he was there to work out. What a great man!! His car conversations and advice steered me into becoming an English major and I never looked back...Thanks, John, for your unending friendship and sincerity; by far, the most influential prof in my career...RIP dear friend and blessings to your wife and children.(‘66)

Don Roberts

Friend

January 15, 2021

Dear Mary and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss of John. He was a wonderful gentlemen and a great neighbor. Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Dan and Barbara McGovern

Dan McGovern

Neighbor

January 15, 2021

Prayers to the Fixl family. I worked for Mr. Fixl in the Registrar's Office while a student at Kings. He was a wonderful person! May he rest in peace.

Marina Kachinko

January 15, 2021

Dear Fixl Family,

I am thinking of all of you at this most difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences.

KATIE MULDERIG

January 15, 2021

When I was a student at King's in the early 60's as a math major, I had to take certain English courses, not my favorite subject. I took an English Literature course and had Mr. Fixl. He brought the course to life and made it very understandable and enjoyable. He gave me a love for the course that I never thought I could have. He was a great teacher. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

Ray Gawlas

Student

January 15, 2021

To the Fixl Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this time of sadness. Mr. Fixl was a good instructor that I had at King's. He helped me, as I, who was in my forties, obtain my Bachelor's in English. Words could never express my gratitude. Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences.

Scottie-ann Murphy

January 15, 2021

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Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Thomas More Church

PA

Funeral services provided by:

Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown

274 N Krocks Rd, Allentown, PA 18106

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