Obituary for John H. Pursell Sr.

John H. Pursell, Sr., age 72, of Topton, PA, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Reading Hospital of natural causes after battling with a lung disease. Born in West Portal, New Jersey, on July 4, 1950, John was the son of George and Gladys (Rittenhouse). John or "Johnny" graduated from North Hunterdon Regional High School, Annandale, New Jersey, in 1968. John was a certified diesel mechanic, mechanical draftsman, quality control inspector, and hazmat technician at many companies over the years. John was extremely proud of assisting in the clean-up of the Twin Towers after 9/11. He later furthered his education by taking classes at DeSales University. He was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church in Kutztown, PA.
    John is survived by his former wife, Elaine (Allen) Caffarelli, of Fleetwood and their children John Pursell, Jr. (Angela) of Oley, Bethany J. Pursell of Laureldale, Matthew Pursell (Courtney) of Mertztown, Mark Pursell (Amy) of Blandon, Margaret "Maggie" Erb (Seth) of Mertztown as well as David (Yvette) Pursell of Blacksburg, SC, Janet "Lee" Pursell of Boiling Springs, SC from his former wife, Janet "Vickie" Norton of Barton, New York. He is also survived by a brother, William "Bill" Pursell of Edison, New Jersey. In addition, he is survived by 15 grandchildren.
    John was always ready with a warm smile, a generous heart and a tale-to-tell. He'd converse with anyone about anything over a cup of coffee especially if it involved his love of his children, grandchildren, classic cars, 50's & 60's music, chocolate, penny loafers or growing up on Tunnel Road in West Portal. He defied the odds from the very beginning of life by overcoming many challenges with a great faith in God and a witty comment to make everyone laugh.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA, , with The Rev. Fr. John C. Maria, as Celebrant.  Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., in the church.  Interment in Bloomsbury Cemetery, Stewartsville, NJ, will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh. com.  

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements.