Home Forest: Susquehanna Forest No. 199

Residence:  Milton, PA
Wife: Diane

John was born on May 17, 1949 in Harrisburg, PA and raised in the Halifax area, growing up on the family farm in Powell’s Valley, where his father resides today. Upon graduation from Halifax High School in 1967, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country until 1971, which included an overseas tour. Currently John resides

at 4 Crestview Court, Milton, PA with Diane. They have four children: Heather, Michelle, Undine, and Philip.

Following an honorable discharge from the USAF, he was employed by Herre Bros in Harrisburg, working in the apparatus repair facility until 1975 when he became employed by Multi-lectric in Lancaster where he worked from 1976-1980 in outside sales. In 1981 he became part of the sales team for an up-start company called Motor Technology in York, where he worked until 1990. Currently, John is employed by SEW Eurodrive as a district manager, traveling approximately 35,000 miles annually throughout central Pennsylvania and western Maryland.

While in the Air Force he began his college education at the University of Southern Mississippi and completed it at Elizabethtown College as a night student. In 1985 he was elected to the Halifax School District Board of Directors, serving as the board president from 1987-1993. Also, he served as a member of the HACC board of delegates during those years.

Masonically, he is or has been affiliated with the following bodies: Susquehanna Lodge# 364 (raised in 1977); currently a member of Milton Lodge# 256; a dual member of the Valley of Harrisburg (1978; a Tyler) and the Valley of Williamsport; a dual member of Millersburg Forest# 125 (1979) and Susquehanna Forest# 199 (PGTC 2005); Warrior Run Chapter# 246 (MEHP 2007); Vallerchamp Council# 25; Mount Hermon Commandery# 85; and Veritas Council# 64, AMD. Presently he is serving his second year as the TCF Director of Region# 4. Other organizations include Past President of the Twin Valleys’ Lions Club and a current member of the Muncy Lions Club, American Legion Post# 648, and LOOM Lodge# 866. John is a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, having served as a lay leader.

John has just completed his 35th year as a PIAA football official. During his career he has worked playoff games in Districts 2, 3, 4, & 11. In 1994 he was the referee in the PA Big 33 game versus Ohio, and in 2002 he worked as the referee in the state AAA final, a game that featured Penn State’s Dan Conner and Paul Posluszny as opposing players. He also was a PIAA basketball official, PIAA baseball umpire, and a PIAA & ASA softball umpire for 10 years. He has taught the football officials school for District IV and will continue in that capacity since leaving the field.