John H. Tshudy, Sr.
August 17, 1921 — March 8, 2013
John H. Tshudy, Sr., 91 of North Annville, died at his home on the family farm Friday, March 8, 2013 at the age of 91. John joins his wife Mary, who passed away, February 15, 2006, and granddaughter, Sara Yorty, who passed away March 18, 2008 in Heaven.
John was born in Hershey, PA on August 17, 1921 and was one of nine children born to John M. Tshudy and Virgie M. (Snavely) Tshudy. Growing up his family lived on a property in Hershey where his father operated an antique store for many years. The property is now operated as Wilhelm Hardware Store in Hershey.
John graduated from Hershey High School in 1939 and began working in his father’s antique store. On October 3, he married the love of his life, Mary Phillips from Myerstown. He continued working in the antique store until the attack on Pearl Harbor. At that time, John entered the US Navy and proudly served his country until the end of WWII. Upon his return from the War, he worked at Olmstead AFB in Middletown before entering the carpentry trade which he worked in for a number of years. His dream though was to have his own farm. When he and Mary saved up enough money, they purchased a farm and pursued dairy farming.
By outward appearance, John and Mary’s occupation was dairy farming. However, those who knew them well recognized that their passion and devotion was not so much about producing crops and cattle, but rather a commitment toward raising children who came to know Christ’s love - young men and women of character and integrity -- their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren as well as the children of neighbors and friends who visited the farm to enjoy the “Tshudy Pond”. All those affected are a living legacy and testament to that commitment. John and Mary were not materially rich people, but they were blessed by a richness in spirit and humor and they always shared their wealth with everyone they met.
Surviving John and Mary, are three daughters and five sons, Helen Vasquez, married to Jose Vasquez (deceased), Erdenheim, PA, Virgie Vakil, married to Hassan Vakil, Media, PA, John H. Tshudy, Jr., married to Dianne (Herr) Tshudy, North Annville, Allen Tshudy married to Jean (Hayward) Tshudy, Westminster, MA, Wayne Tshudy married to Cynthia (Buffenmeyer) Tshudy, North Annville, Eileen Yorty married to John Yorty, North Annville, Thomas Tshudy married to Julie (Piergallini) Tshudy, North Annville and Brian Tshudy married to Chanda (Dubs) Tshudy, North Annville. John is also survived by his sister, Helen Miller as well as 24 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 16
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at 10:00 AM at St. John's Evangelical Congregational Church, 683 Steelstown Road, Annville, PA 17003 with Rev. William J. McEllroy, Jr. officiating. Family and friends are invited for viewing on Friday, March 15
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from 4 to 8 PM at Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078, and on Saturday, at the church, from 9 AM until time of the service. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to St. John's Evangelical Congregational Church Missions Fund or United Service Organizations, PO Box 96322, Washington, DC 20090-6322 or Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services, 132 South 8
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Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 or Lebanon Rescue Mission, 439 South 6
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Street, Lebanon, PA 17042. Condolences may be shared at
www.rothermelfuneralhome.com
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