John Paul Naylor

John P. Naylor Sr., 90, of Carlisle, passed away on February 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Born June 26, 1935, in Windber PA, he was the son of the late Thomas and Regina (Imgrund) Naylor.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joanne (Zacherl); son, John “DJ” Naylor of Florida; daughter, Elizabeth “Jean” Gutshall (Doug) of Carlisle; sisters-in-law, Titi, Maria and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Francis, George, Thomas and Leonard; sisters, Lucy, Ann, Theresa, Sr. Mary Faith, Beth and Rita. 

He was a 1953 graduate of Windber High School. After graduation he worked for Armstrong Flooring in Lancaster for a period of time, then in 1955 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea until 1957. He attended Clarion University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and taught Biology at Allegheny Clarion School District. In 1960 he and his wife relocated to California, where he worked 2 jobs to support his family. He taught Earth and Space Science at Norwalk- La Mirada School District and worked for Sears in Buena Park, CA as a service man. He pursued a degree in Ecology by taking classes at Whittier College and Pepperdine University. In 1974, the family moved to Pennsylvania where he was employed by Bethlehem Steel and was a substitute teacher at Richland School District. He worked for Bethlehem Steel from 1974 until his retirement in 1998.

Before moving to Carlisle, John was a member of St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church in Paxtang, where he was an Usher, member of the “Over the Hill Gang” men’s group and assisted with the church’s flea market and festivals. He also enjoyed working at the Harrisburg Farm Show Farmer’s Market with his friends. After moving to Carlisle, he became a member of Saint Patrick Church and re-established his membership with the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid gardener throughout his life and liked being out and about meeting people and sharing stories. He will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Saint Patrick Church, 85 Marsh Dr. Carlisle, PA 17013 at 11am with a visitation beginning at 10am. Burial will immediately follow to Saint Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Saint Patrick Catholic Church.