John was raised in Bloomsburg and attended Center School. Throughout his life he lived in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and New York. He farmed Christmas Trees, but his career was in Garbage Collection, where he was also self-employed, working in both Allegany County and Bloomsburg. Outside of his employment, he enjoyed raising fancy pigeons.
In addition to his wife, Patti, he is survived by: 12 children, John P. (Joan) Coleman Jr., Brenda Moore, Janet (Kerry) Klemick, James (Valerie) Coleman, Doreen Halczak, Charles (Amy) Coleman, Rebecca Coleman, Pearl (Brian Vandenbosch) Dowell, Penny (Brett) Norris, Paul (Katie) Dowell Jr., Phillip (Tara) D owell, and Patrick (Jenny) Dowell; many grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Following John’s wishes, there will be a private graveside service. Burial will be in Knight’s Creek Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.