Photo courtesy of Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC - Pen Argyl
Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
Jun 1, 1934 – Feb 14, 2026 (Age 91)
John A. Marcon, 91, from Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday February 14, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospice in Allentown, Pennsylvania due to natural causes.
Born in Delabole, Pennsylvania on June 1st, 1934, to Marie (Compardo) Marcon and the late John A. Marcon who died in a mining accident in Pen Argyl on December 13th, 1933.
John graduated from Pen Argyl High School in 1952 where he played baseball and was the manager for the Football team.
Known to many as “The Shoemaker”, John started working in his Uncle Augusto Frare’s Shoe Repair shop on South Robinson Avenue in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania when he was ten years old. What started out as shining shoes on Friday and Saturday nights eventually evolved into taking over the shop upon Zio Augusto’s retirement. After 76 years in the Shop, John retired in 2021. He wasn’t just recognized for his craftsmanship and attention to detail but also for how he made each costumer feel special and heard.
He was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Pen Argyl. A Member of the Fr. DeNisco Council of the Knights of Columbus, The Green and White Youth Association and Hillside Rod & Gun Club.
When not working John loved sports, especially Green Knight football and Reading Phillies baseball, as well as walking the streets of Pen Argyl for exercise and social engagement.
John was married to Rosemarie (Orlandi) Marcon for 67 years until her passing in June of 2025 at age 92. He is survived by his Sons Matthew Marcon of Pen Argyl and David Marcon of Cincinnati, Ohio. David’s wife Vicky, Son Dante and Daughter Geena and her husband Alex Roewer. He was preceded in death by his sisters Linda Marcon, Perina Marcon, Virginia Curto and a brother Frank Marcon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 300 W. Babbitt Avenue, Pen Argyl. There will be a viewing beginning at 10 AM until 10:45 AM Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery, Pen Argyl. The Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, Pen Argyl is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.
Read More
John left a lasting legacy in the Slate Belt. He always made time to talk to everyone he met. He was just a kind and wonderful person.
William Reesman
February 18, 2026 | Friend
My condolences to the friends and family of John. I knew John form the time I took trumpet lessons form the gentleman next, John used to let me wait in his shop for my ride home. That was 70 years ago. RIP John our prayers are with your family in their time of greif and sorrow. Russ & Pam Kline Lewes De
Russ Kline
February 18, 2026
PenArgyl lost an Icon! Wonderful man know to all and a smile for everyone. So sorry for your loss!
Diana Trigiani Elder
February 18, 2026 | Friend
My deepest sympathies to John´s family. I can think of no better example of a life well lived than what John showed us. Pen Argyl is blessed to claim him as their own.
Wendy Echard
February 18, 2026 | Friend
We all have lost a real gem with John´s passing. Pen Argyl is a bit dimmer today. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Denny & Cathy Williams DeEsch
February 18, 2026
I remember John working with "Doc" at the Shoe Repair Shop and being so friendly and helpful. John always had a smile on his face and his workmanship was outstanding. He would always take time to talk with everyone , even the youngsters that would pop into the shop. John, you were missed when you retired from the shoe repair store and will be missed even more that you have left this earth. Sympathy to his sons and family at this sad time. Pen Argyl has lost a wonderful human being.
Evelan Nasatka Wasser
February 17, 2026 | Other
John was just wonderful, a blessing to all who new him!
Tanya Dentith
February 17, 2026 | Other
I´m so very sorry for your loss. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed our conversations as he passed my house on his many walks. I loved to see him coming down the street with a smile and I always learned something new. Wonderful man.
Gloria
February 17, 2026 | Other
Matt So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I remember going into his shop and he would talk like he knew me for a long time . Love to hear his stories. Such a kind man who will be missed by many. RIP John
Joe and Philomena DePue
February 17, 2026 | Friend
