Obituary for John H. "Jack" Althouse
John “Jack” Hupper Althouse of Warrington Township went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday January 5th, 2022. He was 91 years old. Jack was the adoring husband of Patricia T. Althouse.
Born in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of the late John and Violet Althouse.
Jack was a graduate of Central High School, Philadelphia (’48) and the Pennsylvania State University (’52) where he was a member of the NROTC. At Columbia University, Jack earned his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching and was also a Doctoral Candidate. Following his retirement, Jack earned a degree as a Lay Minister through Eastern College (’96).
During the Korean War, Jack served as a Gunnery Officer on the USS Vesuvius. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1982, rising to the rank of Captain.
Jack worked for 42 years in the Abington School District, as an English and Social Studies teacher (Glenside Weldon Junior High School) and Guidance Counselor, as well as, Director of Guidance (Abington Senior High School). In addition, Jack taught graduate courses at Penn State Ogontz, worked for the PA and NJ Departments of Education, facilitated adult transition coursework at the Montgomery County Community College, and coordinated courses for the Bureau of Navy Personnel. He was the President of the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association from 1971-72.
After his retirement in 1990, Jack entered the ministry as a Lay Pastor at Rolling Hills UMC, Plumsteadville and Trevose UMC, Trevose, PA.
He was a member of St. Paul’s UMC, Warrington where he attended the Men’s Bible Study and sang in the choir. Jack shared a great passion for the camping ministry at the Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center, leading 18 Canadian Canoe trips to Algonquin Park in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and ministering to over 300 youth campers.
An avid Penn State Football fan, Jack and Pat enjoyed cheering on the Nittany Lions together for many years. Jack also loved the Phillies and Eagles, visiting the Sandy Cove Conference Center in North East, MD with dear friends Neil and Colleen, and meals with his grandchildren at the William Penn Inn. A forever sailor, Jack loved to be on the water, his favorite memories including time on his boat with his grandchildren on the Chesapeake Bay, international cruises with Patricia, and visits to the shore with family.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and grandsons, Shaun and Kirk Althouse. He is survived by his wife, Patricia and sister Joanne Hilsee.
Jack will be dearly missed by his children John “Jack” Althouse (Diane), Thomas Althouse, Mark Althouse, Tricia Stevenson (Jim), and Julia Szarko; his grandchildren Brad, Evan, Hayley, Irina, Vladimir, Terrace, Ayden, Rachel, Bethany, Jacob, Joshua, Katelyn, and Kyle; and great-granddaughter Jane.
Jack’s funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday January 15th, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 2131 Palomino Drive, Warrington, PA 18976. Family will receive friends from 1:00pm until the time of the service. Internment will be private with family. Guests are requested to wear masks at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center, 304 Pocono Plateau Road, Cresco, PA 18326.
Born in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of the late John and Violet Althouse.
Jack was a graduate of Central High School, Philadelphia (’48) and the Pennsylvania State University (’52) where he was a member of the NROTC. At Columbia University, Jack earned his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching and was also a Doctoral Candidate. Following his retirement, Jack earned a degree as a Lay Minister through Eastern College (’96).
During the Korean War, Jack served as a Gunnery Officer on the USS Vesuvius. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1982, rising to the rank of Captain.
Jack worked for 42 years in the Abington School District, as an English and Social Studies teacher (Glenside Weldon Junior High School) and Guidance Counselor, as well as, Director of Guidance (Abington Senior High School). In addition, Jack taught graduate courses at Penn State Ogontz, worked for the PA and NJ Departments of Education, facilitated adult transition coursework at the Montgomery County Community College, and coordinated courses for the Bureau of Navy Personnel. He was the President of the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association from 1971-72.
After his retirement in 1990, Jack entered the ministry as a Lay Pastor at Rolling Hills UMC, Plumsteadville and Trevose UMC, Trevose, PA.
He was a member of St. Paul’s UMC, Warrington where he attended the Men’s Bible Study and sang in the choir. Jack shared a great passion for the camping ministry at the Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center, leading 18 Canadian Canoe trips to Algonquin Park in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and ministering to over 300 youth campers.
An avid Penn State Football fan, Jack and Pat enjoyed cheering on the Nittany Lions together for many years. Jack also loved the Phillies and Eagles, visiting the Sandy Cove Conference Center in North East, MD with dear friends Neil and Colleen, and meals with his grandchildren at the William Penn Inn. A forever sailor, Jack loved to be on the water, his favorite memories including time on his boat with his grandchildren on the Chesapeake Bay, international cruises with Patricia, and visits to the shore with family.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and grandsons, Shaun and Kirk Althouse. He is survived by his wife, Patricia and sister Joanne Hilsee.
Jack will be dearly missed by his children John “Jack” Althouse (Diane), Thomas Althouse, Mark Althouse, Tricia Stevenson (Jim), and Julia Szarko; his grandchildren Brad, Evan, Hayley, Irina, Vladimir, Terrace, Ayden, Rachel, Bethany, Jacob, Joshua, Katelyn, and Kyle; and great-granddaughter Jane.
Jack’s funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday January 15th, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 2131 Palomino Drive, Warrington, PA 18976. Family will receive friends from 1:00pm until the time of the service. Internment will be private with family. Guests are requested to wear masks at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center, 304 Pocono Plateau Road, Cresco, PA 18326.