John M. Jereb

John M. Jereb

September 23, 1940 – March 1, 2026

John M. Jereb — known to most as Mr. J or Pop, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in 1940, John spent years as a bottler at Schmidt’s Brewery, putting in honest work with the same dedication he brought to everything in life. He married the love of his life, Regina (née McAnany), and together they created a loving family that gathered every week around a big table for spaghetti and meatballs — and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

A passionate card player, John approached the table the same way he approached life — with confidence, a few jokes, and just enough of a poker face to keep everyone guessing.

John also loved his movies. Action, comedy, scary — he appreciated them all. But above everything was The Godfather, which he regarded with the kind of reverence most people reserve for sacred texts. He also made it his personal mission to toughen up the grandkids with a good scary movie — an act he considered, without question, an act of love. The grandchildren may still disagree.

But what they won’t disagree on is this: few things in childhood beat a school half day with Grandpop John, who had a standing tradition of whisking the grandkids off for chicken nuggets and burgers the moment they were sprung early. He had his priorities straight.

He is survived by his beloved wife Regina; his children Jean Marie ONeal (Rob), Michael (Debbie), and Christine (Brent); his five grandchildren Elizabeth Kelhower (Tom), Michael Jereb (Lisa), Nicole Barton (Shane), Ian ONeal, and Brendan ONeal; and his nine great-grandchildren Lucy, Claire, Eloise Tommy, Esmeralda, Kasimer, Giuseppe, Sebastian, and the late Colette — each one a reminder that some people leave the world far fuller than they found it. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary (Mroz) and his brother Joseph.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday March 7th from 2 PM to 3 PM at the Slabinski Sucharski Funeral Home 2614 Orthodox Street. Words of Remembrance will begin shortly thereafter. Further arrangements will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you enjoy your favorite cheesesteak or Philly soft pretzel in Mr. J’s honor or make a memorial donation to Redeemer Health PA Hospice.

https://www.redeemerhealth.org/giving/memorial-and-tribute-gifts