John Paul Gaspich, Sr.

John Paul Gaspich, Sr., 91, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2024 in the VA Lebanon Healthcare System. He was born in Monessen to the late Mike G. and Lucy (Stepich) Gaspich. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Anna Teresa (Meszaros) Gaspich in 1994.

Following his parent’s immigration to the United States, he was the first generation of his family to be born in this great nation. He graduated from Monessen High School and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army where he honorably served during the Korean War and received numerous decorations, commendations and awards. Service defined his life in every aspect. His professional career began as a police officer in Lower Makefield Township where he met a fellow officer from a neighboring municipality who would later become his father-in-law following a fateful introduction to Anna. He seized an opportunity to serve the PA Liquor Control Board which lasted 36 years, starting as clerk and retiring as chief of distribution. He served as Commander of VFW Post 148, Linglestown as well as delegate and state representative for the VFW. He was a member of the American Legion Post 272, Linglestown, St. Lawrence CFU Lodge 13, St. Lawrence Adult Tamburitzans, and Fraternal Order of Police. He was a fixture at the Linglestown Fire Company No. 1 – Station 35, where his son, Mark was a member from age 16 until his passing at age 44. He volunteered for PSP youth week, Linglestown Baseball Association and any other worthy cause that called his name. He was a member of the Survivors Club and was one of the first people in the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to become a certified drug and alcohol education specialist with MADD and DARE. He lived by faith, served his Country and loved his family wholeheartedly.

He was a renowned public speaker, dedicating most of his professional career to drug and alcohol awareness and education. He received numerous accolades for his thousands of speaking engagements. Because of his ease at speaking to large crowds, he always had a story to tell and would talk to anyone about anything. He was officially titled “Mayor” at Harmony at Hershey, where he volunteered his time fulfilling his mayor duties and bringing a song and a prayer to anyone in need. He always had a kind word for all and was known for sharing sweet gifts wherever he went.

He is survived by two sons, John P. Gaspich, Jr. and wife Anne of Enola, Captain (Retired) Paul J. Gaspich, PSP and wife Jan of Palmyra; six grandchildren, 1LT Analyse M. Gaspich-Murray, U.S. Army and husband Sgt Alex Murray, PA Game Commission of Denver, SrA Nicolas J. Gaspich, U.S. Air Force of Palmyra, John P. Gaspich, III, M.D. of Boston, Eric M Gaspich and wife Naia of State College, Alexandra K. Tyrone and husband CM2 Adam Tyrone, U.S. Navy Sasebo, Japan, Brent M. Gaspich of Enola; two great-granddaughters, Lorelei Tyrone and Adalyn Murray. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Mark A. Gaspich in 2018; two brothers, Mike Gaspich, Jr. and Peter Gaspich; two sisters, Anna Javorcic and Mary Gaspich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Wednesday, July 3rd at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 300 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 with Chaplain Paul Schenck as Celebrant. Burial with full military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 12:30 PM. Family and friends are invited for viewing on Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, NCA Cemetery Donations E-Donate at www.pay.gov/public/form/start/552130744. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com

National Cemetery Administration - Cemetery Donations
Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville PA 17003
Web: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/552130744

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