John Louis Erthal

John Louis (Jack) Erthal, 78, of Ormond Beach, FL returned home to his Savior on August 18, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 9, 1947 to the late John and Theresa (Melady) Erthal. He was their first child of seven. Growing up, he made many friends and often shared his childhood stories of playing ball against rival neighborhoods, harassing his brothers and sisters, and attending Catholic schools. He graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 1965. Jack always boasted he graduated from the oldest Catholic High School in the country. While he was just a teenager, Jack worked alongside his father at the local Acme Supermarket. This is where he met the love of his life, Mary Yerkes. After dating for four years, they were married in 1967, just a year after he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country and moved his bride to Key West, Florida where he was stationed. He was a Fire Control Crewman for the Hawk Missile. Jack and Mary welcomed their first daughter, Mary before returning to Philadelphia. During the night of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, his next daughter Kathleen was born. He attended Saint Joe's College and earned his degree in Food Marketing. He continued his career in Acme Supermarkets and worked in various management positions. His next two children, Megan and (finally a boy) John arrived before the family relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1976. Jack and his father started their own grocery store business in Daytona Beach named John's Family Market. His business lived up to its name and created careers for several members of his family. Jack was even an honorary family member of hundreds of his customers; who all cherished him and Mary over the decades. Jack and Mary worked side by side their entire life together. He completed his grocery store career while working as an assistant store manager with Publix. As a father, Jack coached many baseball and basketball teams for his children. He remained involved in their lives into adulthood and celebrated each of their milestones. He got great enjoyment from participating in church and school activities, cheering for his Phillies and Eagles, taking family vacations, and cruising with friends. Jack was given the opportunity to relive his childhood the day he became a grandfather. This role brought him the most joy. His grandsons and Jack used their imagination and reenacted army battles, fought off the "bad guys" while wearing capes, and spent many days at all the theme parks. Pop Pop became his grandsons' first best friend. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1971 and was currently a member Council 8791 of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Prince of Peace Parrish and was devoted to his faith. Besides his dedication to his family and God, Jack was an advocate and volunteer for Veterans in the Daytona Beach area. If there was a person who demonstrated patriotism for his county, it was Jack. Every national holiday, his yard was proudly displaying hundreds of U.S. and military flags and sentimental decorations. He loved his country with passion and taught his family about the importance of freedom. One of Jack's greatest talents was his ability to tell a story. He loved to retell his experiences with such great detail and emphasis that anyone would feel they were there too and lived that memory with him. His family will miss him every single day; especially how he could make people laugh with his cleverness and wit. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary, three daughters, Mary Harrington (Larry), Kathleen Erthal (Kym Allen), Megan Pellicer (JB) and son John (Andrea), grandsons, Westin Pellicer, John Erthal IV, Jacob Erthal, Larry Harrington, his three brothers, Michael (Marybeth), James (Therese), and Daniel, three sisters Donna Windfelder (Eugene), Marianne Troncelliti, Theresa Dolan (Jody) and several nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be held on September 6th at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach. A reception will immediately follow. (600 South Nova Road) Dale Woodward Funeral Homes is in charge.