John J. Stehman

John J. Stehman , 88, of  Salunga, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Hospice and Community Care, Mt. Joy, PA while holding the hand of his wife and soul mate and in the presence of his caring family.  He was the loving husband of Mary Lou Stigler Stehman for 67 wonderful years.

Born in Lancaster, Mr. Stehman was the son of the late Henry G. and Elsie L. Connelly Stehman.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Stehman is survived by his daughter, Kathy, wife of Elmer (Bud) McCarty, Salunga, a grandson, Kevin McCarty, husband of Sarah Dombach, Lancaster, and two great-grandsons Quinn and Nolan.  He has 10 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Luther C. and H. Connelly and a sister, Dorothea C. Farmer.

He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, East Petersburg, PA for over 70 years where he enjoyed serving as an usher.  John was extremely proud of the fact that he had 14 consecutive years of perfect Sunday School attendance.

John grew up working on the family farm which included the Stehman’s Potato Chips business.  He was also a mason’s apprentice.  In 1959 he became a driver/salesman for the chip company, where he later became President until he retired in 1995.  He was a Trustee of the Salunga Fire Company and a member of the Hempfield Ambulance Association.  He was a social member of the Mount Joy American Legion Post 185 where he and Mary Lou liked to go dancing.  He loved being outside doing yard work, swimming in his pool, and decorating the house and chip truck for holidays, including his extensive Christmas display.  He collected clocks of every kind, especially cuckoo clocks and had a large pipe collection.  He baked “Grampy cakes” for all occasions and Christmas cookies.  John had a great sense of humor and liked telling stories of his youth.  He enjoyed dining out with family and friends and as he would leave he usually greeted incoming patrons with his line, “No use going in we ate it all!”, which produced chuckles.  He loved time spent with his grandson, Kevin, and great-grandsons, Quinn and Nolan.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service in Trinity U.C.C., 2340 State St., East Petersburg, PA on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. with the Rev. Christopher M. Rankin officiating. Friends may greet the family at the church on Monday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to Trinity U.C.C. (please see the address above) or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA  17604-4125.