John Ervin Holtry

John Ervin Holtry

Cherished His Family -

John Ervin Holtry, age 89, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 26, 2023.  John was born on Monday, August 28, 1933, in Mechanicsburg to the late Ervin Solomon Holtry and Helen Margaret (Lindsay) Holtry.  John was the widower of Dorothy Marie “Dottie” (Biesecker) Holtry, whom he married on August 23, 1959, and who died on January 2, 2018.  In addition to his parents and wife, John is preceded in death by his two infant daughters: Rebecca and Suzanne; and his two brothers: Robert Eugene Holtry and William Leroy Holtry, Sr.

John’s survivors include his three daughters: Vickie Marie Fluharty and husband, David, of Indiana, PA; Patti Ann Miller and husband, Richard, of Mechanicsburg; Wendy Gail Dunton and husband, Luke, of Palmyra, VA; his five grandchildren: David R. Fluharty, II and wife, Hope, Katerina A Fluharty and partner Gordon Hall, Dr. Jonathan T. Fluharty, Elizabeth A. Miller, Alexander J. Miller; his great-grandson, Gabriel F. E. Hall; his sister: Ethel Mae Myers and husband, Richard, of Boiling Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Enola High School as part of the class of 1952.  He retired from United States Postal Service in Mechanicsburg, after 29 years of service working as a rural mail carrier.  John was also a farmer who operated a dairy farm for 32 years.  John also drove school bus for the Cumberland Valley High School Football team and many other sports teams.  John was beloved as the team bus driver and was given his own team jacket.  He was an avid fan of Penn State and West Virginia University football, and would often be seen supporting Cumberland Valley High School sports, especially football.   John was quite fond of square dancing and he even met his wife, Dottie, at a 4-H Senior Extension square dance.  John and Dottie went out of their way to support Cumberland County 4-H program. He was well known for his barbeque chicken, and loved to attend family reunions.  Family was of the utmost importance to John and he cherished the time that he spent with them.  His grandchildren and great grandson were his pride and joy.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

All are welcome to join John’s family at his viewing on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant Patti Vogl officiating.  John’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Burial will follow the reception in Mohler’s Church Cemetery, 749 Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg.

Contributions in celebration of John’s life can be made to Cumberland County 4-H Program, The Office of Annual Giving, 2583 Gateway Drive, Suite 200, State College, PA 16801, or click here .

John’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read John’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.