John A. Gainer

John A. Gainer, 88, of Manheim, died peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Millersville, he was the son of the late James and Clara Wise Gainer. John was the loving husband of Audrey Grube Gainer and they observed their 66th wedding anniversary in September of this year. A proud veteran, John served in the U.S. Marine Corps. For many years John worked as a machinist for Armstrong World Industries, Lancaster Plant. He was a member of Penn Dutch Sportsman’s Club, New Holland. With a passion for the outdoors; he loved hunting adventures with archery or rifle, in Tioga County at Bear Mountain Camp, scouting for Bear, Turkey, and Deer. John treasured Scuba Diving for many years, especially joining his family members in waters off the Florida Coast. He loved his family deeply, and had a soft spot for his three granddaughters all graduating from the University of Florida where John became a true Florida Gator’s Fan.

Surviving in addition to his wife Audrey, is a son, John A. Jr. husband of Antoinette Gainer of Sarasota, Florida, three granddaughters: Chelsea, Taryn, Kayla, two great grandchildren: Peyton and Anabeth, and a brother, Dana Gainer of Holtwood. Preceding him in death is a brother, Jim Hammel and a sister, Juel Ann Hammel-Stevens.

Services for John will be private and at the convenience of the family.