John Ellis Werner

1932 - 2026

John Ellis Werner

October 25, 1932 - January 13, 2026

State College, Pennsylvania - John E. Werner, 93, of State College, PA, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1932, to Harold and Anna Werner, John lived a life defined by professionalism, integrity, and deep devotion to his family.

John earned his B.S. in Metallurgy from Penn State University in 1954 and began his career as a metallurgical engineer at Bethlehem Steel's Lackawanna Plant. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist Third Class and Combat Medic with the 10th Division Field Artillery in Würzburg, Germany, as part of the Army of Occupation. After returning home in 1957, John resumed his work at Bethlehem Steel and, in 1958, took a leave of absence to pursue graduate studies. He received his M.S. in Metallurgy from Penn State in 1960.

Over the next 31 years, John built a distinguished career in the steel industry, serving as Director of Research and later as Director of Technology Transfer and New Ventures at Bethlehem Steel. In 1986, he began a second career as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Franklin Technology Center of Central and Northern Pennsylvania, one of the nation's largest state-supported technology development programs. He led the implementation of the Ben Franklin Partnership across a 37-county region for 11 years, retiring in 1997.

Throughout his career, John was deeply involved in professional and civic organizations. He served as President of Tri-County Habitat for Humanity and on the boards of CoresStates Bank West and Associated Bio-Engineers and Consultants (ABEC), Inc. Recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and technical expertise, he received the ASM International Stoughton Award for Outstanding Contribution in Metallurgy and the ASM David Ford McFarland Award for Achievement in Metallurgy. He was also a Penn State Centennial Fellow in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, a recipient of the Central Pennsylvania Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Habitat for Humanity Golden Hammer Award.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, John's greatest joy was his family. He shared 63 devoted years of marriage with his wife, Marjorie, and together they raised four children-Preston, Jennifer, Jessica, and Andrew-instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and a love of the outdoors. For 21 summers, the family traveled to Desert Lake in Ontario, Canada, where they camped, fished, canoed, and created lifelong memories together.

In retirement, John remained active with fishing, golfing, and canoeing, but found particular pleasure in building RC model airplanes in the workshop he constructed after retiring. He met weekly with The Accountable Disciples and was an enthusiastic member of the State College Radio Control Club, whose members continued to watch over him with care following Marjorie's passing. A longtime member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in State College, John also gave generously of his time and resources to Habitat for Humanity and other charitable causes.

John is survived by his four children and their spouses: Preston Werner (Kiera) of Bethlehem, PA; Jennifer Werner (Katie Gerstle) of Northampton, MA; Jessica Holtzman (Scott) of Fairfax Station, VA; and Andrew Werner (Kara) of Conway, Arkansas; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie; his parents, Harold and Anna Werner; and his brother, Edward Werner of Erie, Pennsylvania.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Avenue, State College, Pennsylvania. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County or the Alzheimer's Association.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Juniper Brookline and Juniper Wellspring for their compassionate care during John's final year and a half. May God bless your loving hearts and hands.