John Charles Leidy, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at Geisinger-Community Medical Center in Scranton on Monday, August 11, 2025, after a sudden illness.
Born April 14, 1948, in Port Royal to John C. Sr. and Esther Fogelman Leidy, John grew up valuing community, hard work, and kindness. A natural leader from a young age, he served as class president in both high school and college. He graduated from Shippensburg University with a degree in Business Education, where he began forming the lifelong connections and values that guided him ever after. While at Shippensburg, he was an active and proud member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, a brotherhood that would remain close-knit for decades and was even featured on ABC News for its enduring bonds.
John’s early years were marked by spirited volunteerism—he served his neighbors as an EMT, and in his lighter moments, he could often be found at the track, enjoying the thrill of go-kart racing, a testament to his playful spirit and zest for life. Later he obtained a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying with his family in his Cessna, flying as far as the Dover Downs racetrack to enjoy a NASCAR race.
For over thirty years, John built a successful career as a car dealer and consultant, forging relationships rooted in trust, humor, and humanity. Later, he transitioned to real estate, thriving on the personal connections he made with clients. He enjoyed the work until the time of his passing, cherishing each conversation, each handshake, and each sense of home created.
A pillar of his community, John was deeply involved with the Juniata County Fair, supported the Lewistown Hospital, and was a dedicated member of both the Masons and the Elk Lodge. He always offered his time, energy, and warmth to benefit others.
More than anything, John was a beloved family man. Surviving is his devoted wife of 54 years, Nance; his children, J. and his wife Lundon, Janice and her husband Joe, and Judie and her husband Dennis; his grandchildren, Charlie and Jackson, who affectionately called him “Pap”; his sister Jennie and her husband Tony; and his nephew John Anthony—relationships that brought him his greatest joys.
His heart was as big as his smile—he was the calm, optimistic force anchoring his family, always finding a way to uplift, encourage, and make people laugh. Even his loyal dog Hank knew that quality time with “Pap” was the best time.
John will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His strength, compassion, and joy leave an indelible mark.
His family has chosen to honor him privately.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to your favorite charity. Two of John’s favorites were the Perry County Animal Rescue – A non-kill, volunteer-based shelter serving Juniata and Perry Counties, dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and finding loving homes for animals in need; as well as the The Abuse Network which provides confidential and compassionate support—including a 24 hour hotline, emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and community education—for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Mifflin and Juniata Counties, working to promote a peaceful, violence free community.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/27/10 - Image Year: 1951
HARTMAN SIBLINGS AND JOHN LEIDY JR. (Seated l-r) Fred Hartman and Harold Hartman, Jr. (standing l-r) Marianna Hartman [now Ewert], John Leidy Jr., Amelia Hartman [now McElwee] in the front lawn of the Leidy home on Milford Street.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/27/10 - Image Year: 1962
THE JOHN C. LEIDY FAMILY: John C. Leidy, Jennie Lou Leidy, Esther (Fogleman) Leidy and John C. Leidy, Jr. (Photo contributed by Esther Leidy)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/27/10 - Image Year: 1962
In Front: Belinda Longenecker, Kathy Aumiller; Back Row: Dennis Aumiller, Jenny Lou Leidy, John C. Leidy, Jr.
(Photo contributed by Esther Leidy)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/15/13 - Image Year: 1960
RACERS ON THIS DAY: Pictured (l-r) John Zimmerman, Tom Boyer, Phil Foltz, Bill Koons (standing), Robert Taylor, Mike Wagner, John Leidy and Bill Wagner (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 4/2/12 - Image Year: 2012
On March 17th 2012 the ESQUIRES held a reunion in preparation for the upcoming 200th Port Royal celebration in which they will be playing for the first time in 44 years. (seated (l-r)) Larry Sheerer and JOHN LEIDY, (standing l-r) Dick Sheerer, Phil Kilmer, Steve Leonard, Ben Milliken and Jim Stimmel.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/7/12 - Image Year: 2012
BICENTENNIAL OPENING CEREMONIES: Town Crier John Leidy, Jr. (c) presents appreciation plaques to Planning Committee Co-Chairs John Kohler (l) and Carlen McClure (r). At a later time plaques were presented to all Planning Committee members. (Photo submitted by Harold Hartman, Jr.)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/7/12 - Image Year: 2012
GRAND MARSHALL & TOWN CRIER: Grand Marshall Division 3 - ESTHER LEIDY (front seat): Lifetime member of the Port Royal Ambulance Company, 1st woman to be a licensed realtor in Juniata County, Helped plan the parade 50 years ago – now she gets to ride and enjoy, Riding with her son, Bicentennial Town Crier, JOHN LEIDY JR. and daughter Jenny Ehrenzeller (Transportation provided by Blain and Jackie Nearhood – 2002 Mustang GT convertible) (Photo submitted by Molly Kinney)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/8/12 - Image Year: 2012
John Leidy with Town Crier Bell for Port Royal Bicentennial on Sep 28, 2012. (Photo submitted by Harold Hartman, Jr,)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/4/15 - Image Year: 2015
John Leidy, Jr, serves as master of ceremonies at the Port Royal-Tuscarora Valley High School Reunion at the Port Royal Community Building on October 3, 2015. (Photo provided by Amy Hartman McElwee)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 12/1/24 - Image Year: 2024
TVHS REUNION September 21, 2024 John Leidy and Marianna (Hartman) Ewert at the PR Community Center for the Reunion. (Photo submitted by Amelia (Hartman McElwee)
