John A. Hackash Jr.

John A. Hackash Jr.

Our beloved husband, father and Pop-Pop, John A. Hackash Jr., 83, spent his final days surrounded by the love of his family. His life was defined by deep faith, quiet strength, devoted service and a gift for storytelling that kept us laughing and listening until he passed away on Dec. 18, 2025.

John was the beloved son of John A. Hackash Sr. and Mary J. (Serina) Hackash.

From an early age, his leadership and athletic ability stood out. He attended St. Michael's Grade School and Lansford High School, earning captain and MVP honors on undefeated basketball teams, including a Black Diamond League Championship. He later studied Graphic Arts at Thaddeus Stevens Trade School, where he was a three-year basketball starter and co-captain of another undefeated team - an accomplishment he remained proud of throughout his life.

John proudly served two years in the United States Army as a Nike Hercules Missile Crewman stationed in Thule, Greenland. His military service reflected his strong sense of duty and commitment.

At the heart of John's life was his love story with his wife, Barbara Ann (Chromiak) Hackash. They met in kindergarten and shared 58 years of marriage built on love, loyalty and partnership. John was a devoted and attentive husband, deeply proud of the life they built together and grateful for every day by her side. They especially enjoyed golfing and traveling together, with memorable trips to Myrtle Beach, California and Hawaii.

Together, John and Barbara raised three children: Lisa Ann (Glatfelter), and her husband, Carl, and their daughters, Emily and Alexandra; Timothy Daniel Hackash, and his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Kalina; and Janine Suzanne (Hammond), and her husband, Michael, and their children, Benjamin and Kaya. John is also survived by two brothers, Robert Hackash and his wife, Michele, of Lansford, and Paul Hackash of Florida.

Being Pop-Pop was one of John's greatest joys, and his love and pride in his family were boundless.

A man of deep faith, John was a charter member of St. Philip the Apostle Church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council Member, and President of the Men's Club, helping establish lasting parish traditions, including the Parishioner of the Year Award.

He also served for 15 years on the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation Board and as its past president, reflecting his lifelong belief in education and giving back.

John loved sports and treasured unforgettable moments like attending Super Bowl III, witnessing Notre Dame end UCLA's 88-game winning streak, and even sharing a conversation with legendary coach John Wooden. He was equally known for his stories, especially those from Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, including a chance encounter and arm-wrestling match with Muhammad Ali.

John will be remembered for his humor, generosity, faith and unwavering devotion to his family. His life was well lived, deeply loved, and leaves a legacy that will carry on through all of us.

Service: A viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology by visiting: https://StevensCollege.edu. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home for their kindness, professionalism and guidance in handling final arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.