John R. Elison

John R. Elison was born in Pottsville, PA on December 19, 1940. He learned early in life that the key to success was hard work and determination. The third of five children, John and his family moved to Chester, PA where he attended St. James High School in 1958. He went to work for Leco Vending and later moved on to Pennsylvania Railroad, which later became Conrail. He was a locomotive engineer, driving both passenger and freight trains throughout his career. He married his high school sweetheart, Theresa (nee DiSimone) in 1963 and they moved to Brookhaven, PA to raise their four children: John, Michael, Donna and David.
John was a quiet man with a dry wit and a heart of gold. He was blessed with many friends and helped anyone who needed it. His motto was "put others first" and that's how he lived his life. John was a great athlete; he played many sports in his early days. He excelled and played in adult baseball and softball leagues where he often brought his kids along. In particular, he was an integral part of Maximillian's Rough Touch Football League Championship teams for many years. His love and passion for sports inspired his children to be multi-sport athletes during high school and college.
In 1982, with four children playing lots of sports and needing lots of sneakers, John decided to start a part-time business-- selling sneakers. He purchased a little storefront on Dutton Mill Road in Brookhaven, PA and Efootwear was born. In the beginning, John drove the train during the day and ran the store for several hours after work and on weekends. It truly became a family business as his wife, Theresa, and their four kids helped in the store throughout high school and college. Efootwear expanded into more than just a "sneaker store" when his three sons committed to the business after they finished college. Adding team sales and then an online website, EFootwear expanded; so, the family purchased the old Brookhaven firehouse. At the retail store on Dutton Mill Road, where it all began, John became a fixture. He worked the cash register and entertained customers with his funny remarks and quick wit. John was fondly known by all their loyal customers as the "Sneaker Man" and Theresa as the "Sneaker Lady"!
In addition, his friends were a very important part of his life. Embarking upon many great adventures with them or people watching at Booth's Corner, were favorite pastimes. His daughter, Donna & son-in-law, Dennis gave John the joy of celebrating family by opening their home and sharing their culinary skills with all.
John's life of Faith was an integral part of who he was. He was a devout Catholic and active member at St. Rose of Lima & Our Lady of Charity parishes.
John is survived by his wife Theresa (nee DiSimone), his children John (Carol), Michael (Donna), Donna (Dennis), and David (Jane), his grandchildren Johnny, Sean, David, Bridget, Deanna, Rachel and Michael, his great grandson L.J., his sister Pat Savoy and many nieces and nephews.
On Thursday, August 29th at Our Lady of Charity, 231 Upland Rd, Brookhaven, PA 19015 the Visitation is at 9:15 am until 10:45 am. Followed by Mass at 11:00 am.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice and Tammi McCoy of Ultimate Care for their gentle kindness during his last days.
Memorial donations may be made to St. James Catholic High School Alumni Association in John's name. Please visit http://stjbulldogs.org for details.
Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com
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