John A. Bouch

John Augustus Bouch, age 93, of Mount Airy, Maryland, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025.
Born on May 6, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John's life was grounded in family, community, and hard work. While growing up in Somerset, Pennsylvania, his family enjoyed spending their summers at the family cabin in Shanksville. Alongside his sister Nancy, John worked on the neighboring farm, cultivating a lifelong love for farming and gardening.
John is lovingly remembered by his children: Carol Berghen of San Francisco, California; John T. Bouch of Everett, Pennsylvania; Linda McKenna of Mount Airy, Maryland; and Bruce Bouch of Bel Air, Maryland. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents, Russell and Esther Bouch; his brother, Thomas; sister, Nancy; and grandson, Michael Bouch.
John was well known in the Breezewood and Bedford, Pennsylvania areas as the owner and operator of Bouch's Texaco and Goodyear in Breezewood, and Bouch's Goodyear in Bedford. A skilled mechanic and respected businessman, he was known for his honesty and dedication to his customers.
He was deeply involved in his community, serving as a member of the local volunteer fire department, the Lions Club, the Bedford Elks, and Bedford County Tourism. He played an active role in the development and growth of Breezewood as it became a busy interchange town.
In his later years, after the loss of his wife, John followed a long-held dream and relocated to Twin Bridges, Montana. There, he became an active part of the community, helping lead fundraising efforts and contributing to the architectural design of the new senior center. He was also a member of the Church of the Valley and spent his days exploring backcountry trails, fishing mountain lakes, and sharing his homegrown harvests-especially his prized sweet corn.
John's many hobbies reflected his love for the outdoors and a curious, hands-on spirit. He enjoyed hunting, target shooting, fishing, crabbing, clamming, camping, rock hounding, and panning for gold and gemstones. A skilled craftsman, he also pursued lapidary work, painting, and gardening with care and creativity.
He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. He never met a stranger, and his warm personality left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware.
Please sign John's Tribute wall at this site.
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