John Joseph Challenger

John Joseph Challenger, 57, of Hampstead, passed away unexpectedly following a medical emergency on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Carroll Hospital Center. Born on November 16, 1968, in Baltimore, he was the son of Judith (Diehl) Hannah and the late Brian Challenger. John was the cherished husband of Susan Heather Marie (Heaps) Challenger, his loving wife of 22 years. He was the devoted father of Beatrice Paskewitz, and the best "Pop" ever to his grandchildren, Owen and Sophia. He is also survived by his stepmother Patricia Challenger; sister Jennifer Challenger; niece Victoria Challenger-Simmons and her husband Chris, and their children Lilly and Sully; aunt Joy Unglesbee; cousin Amber Reinke and her son Josh Unglesbee; cousins Rodney, Emily, and John Pickup of Manchester, England; father-in-law and mother-in-law Gary and Patricia Metcalfe; brother-in-law David Heaps and his daughter Keilani Heaps. John leaves behind countless friends, including his "best friends": Eric Hall, Heath Harden, Josh Brevard, Gil Drechsler, Steve Wright, Mike Boyer, Rusty Knoll, Al Luht, Tim Bosley, Ray Lyons, Joe Engel, Fred Koelber; the late Don Harmon, the late John Kristian, and the late Craig Reoli. In addition to his father he was predeceased by his aunt June Keener, and uncles Ray Keener and Richard Unglesbee. John graduated from Liberty High School, Class of 1986. He worked in the plumbing and mechanical industry for more than 30 years and was most recently employed by Anchor Mechanical, LLC as Director of Purchasing. His previous employment included Charles Klein and Sons, Blue Dot of Maryland, Mid Atlantic Air, and The Bryant Group. As an avid guitar player, John had a deep love for heavy metal music, especially the iconic sounds of the 1980s. He loved attending concerts, with the Scorpions holding a special place as his favorite band. John was happiest "piddling" in the garage, and he took great pride in meticulously maintaining his lawn and home. A simple man at heart, John showed his love by helping others and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Above all else, his greatest joy in life was his grandchildren, who meant the world to him-along with his beloved cat, J.B. Mouse. The family will honor John with a visitation on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 12:00 noon, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In Celebration of his life and passions, guests are invited to dress casually - favorite band t-shirts and jeans are especially welcome. Memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Gibson Gives, a nonprofit program advancing musicians through music education and music health and wellness initiatives worldwide, at www.gibsonfoundation.org. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com.