John Roland Ashbrook John Roland Ashbrook, age 92, a longtime resident of the Media area, died peacefully on April 8 at the Residence at Glen Riddle. John was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Arthur and Theodora (née Hoerle) Ashbrook. Upon graduating from Crafton High School he served in the US Army, stationed in Trieste, from 1946-1948. After the war he attended Penn State University and developed a love for journalism. Mr. Ashbrook began his career reporting for the York Gazette & Daily. After six years, he took a job with the Philadelphia Inquirer which developed into a 42 year-long career as the Asst. National Desk Editor. He settled in the Glen Riddle section of Middletown Twp., where he and his former wife, Marilyn Wissinger Ashbrook, raised their three children. John was a dedicated volunteer at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Media. He enjoyed singing lessons later in life and became a proud member of the church choir. A man of great character, Mr. Ashbrook was a strong advocate for civil rights in the 1960s. He was an avid newspaper reader, a civil war buff, and was quite proud of the beautiful stone walls he built. Mr. Ashbrook was preceded in death by his siblings Arthur Ashbrook and Jeanne Illig. He is survived by his companion, Joyce McKee, and his children Lucy Ashbrook Sloan (Peter) of Amherst, NY, Donald Ashbrook (the late Diane) of Media, PA, and Carol Ashbrook Bapty (Theodore) of Nashville, TN. He leaves behind six loving grandchildren Laura Sloan (Joshua Gandee), Susannah Bapty, Sarah Bapty (Thomas Morrill), Katy Sloan, Zachary Bapty and Finn Bapty. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County. 145 W. Rose Tree Rd., Media, PA 19063. A memorial service will be announced after the abatement of the current public health crisis. Arr. Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home 15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063 www.haganfuneralhome.com

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Published by Delaware County News Network from Apr. 23 to Apr. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Ashbrook

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5 Entries

Anne L Rabe

October 11, 2021

My belated condolences to Marilyn, Lucy, Donald and Carol. I respected and admired John Ashbrook. He was the father of my friend Lucy who I met at the Unitarian Church in 3rd grade, and luckily she is still my friend. I remember Mr. Ashbrook as a nice, quiet, patient and tall man. I will never forget the tour he gave Lucy and I of the Philadelphia Inquirer. It was so cool and started my interest in journalism, later supported by Woodward and Bernstein. I admired his journalistic career and dedication to civil and human rights. My parents, Val and Sue Rabe, and my siblings, Matt, Callie and Meg Rabe and I all thought he was a good and kind man. Anne Louise Rabe

JW/JKH

April 27, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the Ashbrook Family for the loss of your loved one, John Roland, and pray God gives you comfort, peace and strength.

Alexandra Ashbrook

April 13, 2020

Uncle John, my father's brother, will be missed tremendously by me, my kids, my husband and countless others he touched. Since my father's death in 2001, Uncle John has been my link to the Ashbrook family and to my dad's memory. He has regaled me with tales of his childhood adventures with my dad and his sister and how it wasn't always fun being the youngest child. His wit has made me chuckle many a time as he was able to capture my dad's unique character through his eyes. He's impressed me with his commitment to civil rights throughout his life and his dedication to her Unitarian church. Always kind and loving, Uncle John is a role model of a life well lived. And I am so glad that he was able to share the last 18 years with Joyce who I have loved getting to know.

A story that captures the essence of John occurred in Italy after WWII when John was in charge of a German POW. .. a boy guarding a boy. After John returned to the states and the man to Germany, they established a long-time relationship with John sending the man's family food and other items to help them survive the post-war.

It's a surreal time to mourn but I know that John's legacy will continue on especially in his three kids and his grandkids who made him so proud and also through those who loved him so.

Joyce McKee

April 13, 2020

John was my longtime friend and loving companion, the first to give help to others, witty and smart and always a gentleman. As my "significant other" we had 18 years of a beautiful relationship. I will dearly miss him.

Judy Beavins

April 12, 2020

A quiet, but thoughtful and sincere, man. I have fond memories of picnics at his home, after-church breakfasts, Christmas parties.

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