John Raymond Northrup

John Raymond Northrup

Loving, Kind & Fun Man -

John Raymond Northrup, age 70, of Mechanicsburg , died at home and surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, December 16, 2014.  John was born on Sunday, March 12, 1944 in Sayre, PA to the late Howard S. Northrup and Hilda E. (Wright) Northrup.  In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother, William “Bill” Northrup.

John’s survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Sherry Ann (Eichelberger) Northrup; his children: Kimberly Martin and her sons, Joshua and Carson, all of York, Anthony Northrup of Corolla, NC, John Northrup and his daughters, MacKenzie and Madison, Ronald Potteiger, his wife, Melissa, and their daughter, Hope; his sister, Ellen Strange, of Waverly, NY; and his dog, Sailor.

John was a student of the U.S. Air Force Russian Language Program and a 1971 graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting.  He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a decoder, and he retired from Simplex-Grinnell in Mechanicsburg in 2006.  John was an active member of West Shore Evangelical Free Church in Mechanicsburg for 10 years, where he enjoyed participating in the men's breakfasts and was employed as a facilities caretaker, a job he loved.  He was a former member of the American Legion , and he belonged to the Susquehanna Yacht Club , the Pinchot Sailing Club, and the Flying Scott Club .  John liked to tinker and restore things, and he especially liked wood-working.  His love of sailing led him to restore a sailboat; and John took pleasure in competing in sailing contests with his wife and taking his grandkids and dog, Sailor, out on his boat.  Among other athletic and adventurous hobbies, John was a runner and he earned his pilot’s license.  His family fondly remembers John as a simple, kind, and fun man who cherished his relationship with God, his faith, and his church family; and he enjoyed celebrations and parties, especially with his children and grandchildren.

All are welcome to join John’s family at his service on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at West Shore Evangelical Free Church , 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Ken Thompson officiating.  John’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service.  Burial will be on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where military honors will be presented.  Honored to be pallbearers are:  Ronald Potteiger, Anthony Northrup, Joshua Markham, Cody Stansfield, Hope Stansfield, Carson Martin, and Kimberly Martin.

The family suggests memorial contributions to West Shore Evangelical Free Church , 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  John’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read John’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .