John Thomas Gasper II (affectionately known as Jack), age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 28th. He was born to the late John Thomas Gasper and Sylvia Ann Gasper on March 25th, 1949 in Windber, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh before completing a Masters Degree at Indiana State University. He was a professor of Criminal Justice for over 40 years, first at Penn State and most recently at Lehigh Carbon Community College where he served as a department chair for over 20 years. He was an ardent supporter of college football, specifically Penn State, where he held season tickets for more than 45 years. He was a lover of live music, regularly making trips to see his favorite artists, none greater than Paul McCartney and James Taylor. He was an eternal optimist who spent all of his free time loving and encouraging his family. He will forever be remembered for his generous and gregarious spirit. Survivors: He is survived by his three children, Jessica Kirchner, Jamie Morris and John Gasper; as well as his three grandchildren David Kirchner, William Kirchner and Emma Morris. He is also survived by his sister, Sylvia Ann Clair and her three children. Services: A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 4th at 11 AM at the Church of St. Ann in Emmaus, PA. The funeral will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Windber, PA on Saturday, January 13th at 11 AM. Family and friends received at Kisiel Funeral Home in Windber on Friday, January 12th from 5-7. Contributions: In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Gasper Memorial Scholarship Fund. Link to donate is www.gofundme.com/jackgasperscholarship

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Published by Morning Call on Dec. 31, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gasper

32 Entries

Denise Trayah

August 21, 2022

I was devastated to hear of Mr. Gasper's passing. I was a student of his at LCCC. He was by far my favorite professor and I remember him fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I know he is spreading his emmense knowledge up in heaven.

Erin Miklas

August 31, 2021

I somehow just came across this that he had passed some time ago. He was my absolute favorite professor and inspired me and encouraged me in so many ways to continue on after lccc and major in criminal justice at Temple. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Judy Geiger

December 26, 2019

Jacks booming laugh will live on in my mind and will forever make me smile.

Nathan Klinger

January 11, 2018

Professor Gasper was a great teacher and leader willing to go the extra mile for every student. He helped me graduate a semester early by taking on an independent study which created more work for himself. I will miss our weekly Penn State football conversations and your positive attitude. God bless you and your family.

Frank LaPlaca

January 10, 2018

Jack was a good friend, high school and college classmate and fraternity brother.It was great visiting with him at our 50th last June. I will keep all of those memories close. Rest easy my friend.

Jolene Sundlie

January 9, 2018

I had the honor of meeting Jack through the Community College section of ACJS a few years ago. He was a genuinely kind, sweet man and always so welcoming to new members. I will miss seeing him at ACJS every year. My thoughts go out to all who knew and loved him.

Gale & Bruce Breininger

January 7, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to Alex , Jamie, Jess and their families...we were so saddened by this news. Jack always wore a smile and had a kind word to say. No one can take your memories away...you will cherish them forever. Sending hugs.

Fred Bainhauer

January 5, 2018

As both a former student and co-worker at the College, I am saddened by Jack's death. Jack will be greatly missed.

David Voros

January 5, 2018

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Jack at LCCC. He was generous with his time, patient and kind. Always a smile on his face. He will be missed more than anyone realizes. God it seems, only takes the good before their time. God Bless you Jack and your family.

Ann Turoczy

January 4, 2018

I am so saddened by the loss of Jack. No words can tryout express the loss we are all feeling. You will be missed.

Ivelisse Rodriguez

January 3, 2018

He was an amazing professor and person. One of the best professor hands down at LCCC and he will definitely be missed. Prayers to his family and friends.

Lisa Zellner

January 3, 2018

My condolences to Mr.Gasper's loved ones and to all of those he touched during his life time. He was a wonderful professor who inspired and educated.

Holly Dershem-Bruce

January 2, 2018

I had the opportunity to meet Jack several years ago and served with him in the Community College Section of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He was always willing to join one of our panels and to share his knowledge and expertise with other professionals at our annual meetings. It has been my privilege to call Jack a friend and a colleague, and he will be greatly missed by all of us in the CC Section. My deepest condolences to the family. Go in peace, my friend.

Pauline Rowan

January 2, 2018

My deepest sympathy to all of Jack's family. I had the pleasure and privilege of being a colleague of Jack's at LCCC. He was well respected by students and faculty. May knowing that his life was well-lived bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Pauline Rowan
Retired LCCC counselor

Judy Geiger

January 2, 2018

We are saddened by Jack's passing and are sorry for your loss. Jack's quick wit and ready smile will be missed.

Becki Strahan

January 2, 2018

Our class lost a good guy the day God called you home. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, old friend. Many fond memories of you in our youth.

Ferris Atty

January 2, 2018

Jack was one of my earliest friends at West End Elementary School when we were in Kindergarten with Mrs. Weaver. He became one of those guys that everyone liked. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal!

Sammy Gangewere

January 1, 2018

My condolences go out to his family and friends. I had John as one of my professors at LCCC and I honestly wouldn't have been able to do it without him! Best professor hands down at LCCC and he will definitely be missed.

January 1, 2018

Tami Simon

January 1, 2018

God speed Jack Gasper! Heartfelt condolences to your family, friends, colleagues, and students. You will be missed

December 31, 2017

Justice Society with Professor Gasper at LCCC banquet

Mandy Simon

December 31, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to Professor Gaspers family, friends, and students. He was a one of a kind professor. When I first started LCCC, I was undecided as to which career path and major I wanted to take...that is until I took Juvenile Delinquency class and met Professor Gasper. His experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm for criminal justice was contagious. He instilled in me the curiosity and passion to want to learn more and make it my career path. I loved my major so much that I joined the Justice Society club that he was the head of first I was treasurer then president. His classes and club enriched my entire college experience. He was an amazing mentor who was very caring and dedicated to his students. He brought relevant experience about his field and delivered it in an engaging way with always a touch of humor. After only two short years LCCC felt like home, and I have Professor Gasper to thank because he made us feel welcome, helped us grow and prepared us for success in our careers and had a positive impact in our lives. I looked forward to going to college everyday. He will always be in our hearts Thank you Professor Gasper ❤

Sal Melo

December 31, 2017

He was an amazing professor and person. Prayers to his family and friends

December 31, 2017

It is with deepest sorrow to hear of Professor Gasper's passing. I offer my condolences and prayers to his family, friends and students.

Former Student,
~Lisa Smith-Medero ~

Hugh + Charlotte

December 31, 2017

We would like to extend our prayers + condolences to Jack's Family. He was a decent, moral guy who wore many hats (and wore them well).

Brother Jack, I can't imagine my life without you! Love you"to the moon and back"

Toody Gasper Clair

December 31, 2017

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John Gasper II

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