John R. Emrick, Sr.

John R. Emrick, Sr., 82, of Nazareth, PA passed away Friday, March 11th, at ProMedica Skilled Nursing, Bethlehem, PA.

John was born in Easton, PA on July 3, 1939, a son of the late Katherine (Harobin) Emrick and John Emrick, Jr.

He was the husband of Jerilyn K. (Schlegel) Emrick. Together, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 7, 2022.

John was a 1957 graduate of Bangor High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. John was last employed as a foreman for the PA Department of Transportation in Pen Argyl, PA until retiring in 2003. Prior to that, John was employed at the former Blue Ridge Winkler Textiles, Inc. in Bangor and the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation. He also worked for a time as a Washington Township police officer.

John was an avid Bangor High School sports fan and attended every single game his sons played in. He would wait at the locker room exit after every game and always had an encouraging word win or lose. He was a former coach for the Blue Valley Patriots youth football program. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, archery, hunting, and sporting clays.

He was a Deacon and member of Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Nazareth, PA. John was also a member of the Lodge at Blue Heron Lake.

John had a kind heart and deep faith in Christ. He was a great father and role model to his sons, and his sense of fatherhood extended to other members of our family and to our friends. He taught us all to have faith, be kind, work hard, “don’t half ass it” and never quit. He was always there to provide wisdom, calm, and a steady demeanor when it was needed most.

In addition to his wife, Jerilyn, John is survived by three sons, John R. Emrick, Jr., husband of Leslie, Paul D. Emrick, husband of Lisa, and Joseph Emrick, husband of Christine, 8 grandchildren Jacob Emrick husband of Kate, Jesse Emrick husband of Claire, Benjamin, David, Ana, Nathan, Olivia, and Zoey Emrick, 2 great-grandchildren Jackson and Theodore Emrick. He is also survived by his three siblings: sister, Katherine Dyson, two brothers, Mike Emrick, husband of Geraldine, and Rodney Emrick, husband of Carol. And his beloved dog Cali was his faithful companion.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 18th at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 100 East Beil Ave., Nazareth, PA with Pastor Carl Fischer officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 5:30 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, March 17th at Gaffney Parsons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 314 S. First Street, Bangor, PA. Family and friends are also invited to a visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM on Friday, March 18th at the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the Family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or lbda.org