Photo courtesy of Reichel Funeral Home - Northampton
Apr 2, 1937 - Feb 12, 2024
Dear Grace and family,
So,sorry to hear about your loss. I hope and pray that all of the great times that you had with JACK will bring you through these difficult days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Haja
February 26, 2024 | Sun City West, AZ | Friend
Single Tree
The Kahley Family
February 16, 2024 | The Villages, FL
Grace, Suzie & Michael; my deepest condolences to you. My heart breaks for you. He was such a wonderful and loving man. I truly am sorry for your loss. Carolann, Ellsworth, Pat and family.
Carolann Kratzer
February 15, 2024 | Whitehall, PA | Friend
So sorry Grace for your loss. Have a lot of good memories, We go back a long way to High School graduated together in 1955. Just had the pleasure of being with you and Jack at the class reunion in Oct. celebrating 67 years. He will surly be missed. Gloria & Len Eckhart.
Leonard Eckhart
February 15, 2024 | Lehighton, PA | Classmate
Dear Grace,
I'm wrapping you and your family with a quilt of love, warmth, and friendship ... and presenting it with the great grace I've seen you give to others. Hugging you tight in prayer.
Sincerely,
Sadie
Sadie Gibble
February 15, 2024 | Lancaster, PA | Friend
Grace, Sue and family,
My heart breaks to hear of the passing of John. I have so many fond memories of him from St. Mary's. His faith was so evident as we travelled through RCIA together so many years ago. Jennifer and Amber were truly the light of his life. Be assured of my continued prayers for all of you as you go through this most difficult time. John is truly arms of our Lord.
In the peace of Christ,
Stephanie Kalavoda
Stephanie Kalavoda
February 14, 2024 | Whitehall, PA | Friend
My heart goes out to Mrs. Ashner, Suzie, Mike and the whole family. I have such fond memories of Mr. Ashner and Columbia Avenue. You know what kind of person someone was when you remember them as smiling. That's how I think of him. I am sure that it is a challenging time for all if you. We lost my father in October. Memories may bring tears, but they are love. My sincerest wishes to you all
Rosalie Youngblood Kesselring
February 14, 2024 | Hazleton, PA | Neighbor
I really miss you Grampa. We all love you so much.
Jennifer Sopak
February 14, 2024 | Allentown, PA | Grandchild
So sorry for your loss Grace! John was a good man and Masonic Brother .
PM Daniel Herzog
Daniel Herzog
February 14, 2024 | Northampton, PA | Friend
John “Jack” D. Ashner of Whitehall, PA passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born in Palmerton, PA to the late Pearl Blose Ashner Whiteman and Donald Ashner. He was married for 65 years to his loving wife, Grace. John graduated from Palmerton High School in 1955 and Muhlenberg College in 1970. In between, he served in the US Navy for three years on board the USS Borie (DD704) followed by active reserve, attaining the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer during eight years of service. During this time of military service and going to college, John married his high school sweetheart, Grace Visnosky, and was raising their three children. His career of 2 years at Baker Chemical Co. followed by over 37 years at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Western Electric, Alcatel-Lucent, from which he retired in 1999 as a senior engineer. While at Bell Labs, John authored and co-authored many technical papers including several published in Technical Journals, one of which was the outstanding paper at the IEEE Radiation Effect Conference at Penn State in 1969.
John was a member of Annunciation BVM Catholic Church (St. Mary’s Catholic Church) in Catasauqua where he served on the parish council, usher and money counter. In addition, John an honorary Plank Owner of the USS Waldron (DD699) alumni association, and a long-time member of the Tin Can Sailors. He was a Past Master of Porter Lodge No. 284, Catasauqua, and a past High Priest of Catasauqua Royal Arch Chapter, No. 278, serving both in various capacities. He was a life member of Lehigh No. 1, Lehighton, Fullerton and West Catasauqua Fire Co. No 1. John also was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 454 in Northampton where he served with the honor guard.
Survivors: wife, Grace; daughter, Suzanne Rutkowski (James); son, Michael (Jeff); granddaughters, Jennifer Sopak (Harold), Amber Rutkowski; great grandson, Hunter Sopak; brother, Gregory Whiteman; sister, Linda Bottcher (Robert); sister-in-law, Margo Ashner; many nieces, nephews; John was pre-deceased by a son, John Jr., and a brother, Ronald.
The world lost a wonderful, loving, honest and kind man who never had an unkind word about anyone. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at LVHN for the wonderful care they provided to John.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 17th at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation BVM Church (St. Mary’s), 122 Union St., Catasauqua. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the church. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton. Online condolences may be offered below.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church or to a charity of one’s choice in the loving memory of John.
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