John Joseph Amon

John Joseph Amon of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024. He was 87 years old.
John was born to the late Andrew and Anna Amon on November 13, 1936 and raised in Philadelphia, PA.
He graduated from La Salle High School and University. His position was coxswain with the Lasalle rowing team. Love of the water continued throughout the rest of his life. He won many Barnegat Bay, NJ area regattas sailing his Laser, Sunfish and Sailfish. Evening cruises on the A Cat Maryann were special times he shared with friends and family. After he moved to South Florida in 1992, walking and relaxing by the ocean and annual trips to the Keys with his son John was where he loved to spend his time.
John honorably and dutifully served in the United States Marines and Reserves from 1960 to 1965. During which time he married and moved to Southampton, PA where he began his family and started his career in the insurance industry. He loved sports especially basketball and soccer. Coaching youth soccer teams became one of his passions.
John's love of music began when his father presented him with an accordion around the age of 12. The accordion opened the doors to many opportunities and friends. Teaching accordion lessons helped to pay his way through college. Playing at dances and events with the band the Altones during his early 20's enlarged his circle of friends. Since variety is the spice of life, John learned to play many instruments and his favorite became the autoharp. This led to him being fondly known as Harper John. Attending Folk Festivals brought him much enjoyment and many friends. Winning the Florida State Autoharp championship was one of his highlights. When he wasn't playing instruments, he enjoyed listening to music including old-time gospel, Alpine music, Appalachian songs, and Polkas. He was a member of the Pompano Old Time Jammers. They came and played with John while he was at Margate Health and Rehabilitation Center. He loved sharing his love of music with the staff and residents.
"Stay on the Sunny Side" which was a song recorded by the Carter Family became his motto. Despite the limitations of Parkinson's in his later years, he always kept a sunny disposition. He was always making new friends and singing happy songs. On his last visit with his Hospice music therapist he told her, "If I'm not here next time you come, know that I'm okay and play a song for me.
John is survived by the mother of his children Jane Amon, his children Theresa (Jeff), Catherine, John, Thomas (Cherryn), Britta and Christopher. His beloved grandchildren Christine (Justin), Richard, Nicholas, Hannah and Bailey. His great grandchildren Elijah, Josiah, Caleb and Althea. His sister Marguerite and brother Frank. Many loving nieces and nephews, his sweetheart Maria and a host of friends. He is predeceased by brothers Andrew, Michael, Joseph, Edward and Paul, sisters Annette and Rosemarie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2970
The Michael J. Fox Fund for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741