John McKiernan

John F. McKiernan
John F. McKiernan, 79, of Emmaus passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2013, in his home after a courageous battle with myleofibrosis. Born and raised in South Boston, John was the oldest son of John F. and Elsie McKiernan. He was an Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War. He was a champion swimmer in the Air Force and taught electronics. After achieving success at an early age in the electrical business, he joined Joel Spira at Lutron Electronics in 1973. As Vice Chairman of the Board, he helped propel Lutron to be the leader of the electrical switch industry by establishing a world-wide sales philosophy. He traveled over the entire globe to put Lutron on the map. Over his career, he has served as Chairman and Executive Committee Member of the Electrification Council in Washington, DC, Executive Committee member of the Board of National Lighting Bureau, Chairman of the Board for the American Lighting Association, as well as many other prestigious positions in the lighting industry. John was the recipient of the Manufacturer of The Year award from the Electrical Manufacturers Representative Association, the Pillar of the Year Award from the ALA, and most recently was awarded the high honor of being inducted into the American Lighting Association Hall of Fame. John was an avid golfer and a member of Lehigh and Saucon Valley Country Clubs. He was the patriarch of a wonderful, close-knit family and truly lived a life that mattered and affected many people, in immeasurable ways. He was loved and respected by everyone who had the honor of calling him dad, grandpa, big poppa, podzee, Mac, Dear, or just a friend. Survivors: John is survived by his three children, Debbie Stevens of Downingtown, Marcia Kennet of Macungie and John E. McKiernan of Macungie; his dear friend, Patricia Panzarella; his nine grandchildren ranging in ages from 32 to 4 years; seven great-grandchildren; his former wife, Donna McKiernan; two brothers, Brian and Brad; two sisters, Judy Wilkens, Ruth Schroeder; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Elsie Mullins. Services: Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Calling hours will be held on Friday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th and Hamilton Sts., Allentown, and on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m., at the church. Arrangements by the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. www.jsburkholder.com. Contributions: Contributions may be made in his memory to the MPN Research Foundation at www.mpnresearchfoundation.org, or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown, PA 18103.