Menu

The Life of John E. Giachero

John E. Giachero, 88, of Maidencreek Township, died Sunday, September 2, 2018, in The Reading Hospital, West Reading, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Eleanor A. (Breneman) Giachero. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on August 23, 2018. Born in Cornwall, Lebanon County, PA, John was a son of the late John D. and Irene G. (Snyder) Giachero.

John honorably and faithfully served our country as a ten year member of the Army National Guard, last serving as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was a member of Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown. John received a bachelor's degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College, Annville and a Master's Degree in Music from Trenton State College, NJ. A music teacher in public schools for over 40 years, he first taught at Lebanon Catholic Parochial School, Lebanon, where he also served as church organist. He moved to New Jersery, teaching and directing the marching band in South Plainfield School District, South Plainfield, NJ. John moved to the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, Bridgewater, NJ for the majority of his career, retiring from full -time teaching in 1990. After several more years as a substitute teacher, John and Eleanor moved to PA. In his spare time John enjoyed playing clarinet with the Ringgold Band, Laureldale, PA, and saxophone in the Windjammers Unlimited Band, Sarasota, FL.

John cherished his family, was devoted to his loving wife, Norrie, and supported her pursuit of bachelor's and master's degrees. He loved playing his saxophone, sharing good jokes, going camping, playing golf, listening to and playing jazz and classical music, and rooting for the NY Yankees and the Reading Fightin' Phils. John loved people and easily made friends, whether just for the moment or for a lifetime. His open personality was a loving lesson for his children who enjoy sharing fond family memories.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor; his children: Joseph H., husband of Susan Lynn (Mantyla) Giachero, Stokesdale, NC; John D., husband of Filomena (Pilandas) Giachero, Hillsborough, NJ; Nina L. (Giachero), wife of James M. Presuto, Lebanon, NJ; Jennie A. (Giachero), wife of Lee Begeja, Gillette, NJ; Carla M. Giachero, Bridgewater, NJ; and Anne M. (Giachero), wife of Timothy S. Sitarik, Blandon. Other survivors include his sisters, Mary Lou (Giachero), wife of Bill Hershberger, Hamburg, and Patricia (Giachero), wife of Vernon LeFever, Ephrata. John will be deeply missed by his ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 6, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, with The Reverend Monsignor Walter T. Scheaffer, as celebrant. Interment will follow Mass in Holy Savior Cemetery, Cornwall, PA. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the church.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

Filter John E. Giachero's Timeline by the following Memory Categories

2018.09.05
Music

Not only did he tell me lots of great jokes and always have a smile on his face, but my grandfather really played a huge part in my lifelong love of music.

When I was in first grade I asked my grandfather if he had a trumpet I could borrow. I had no idea how to play the trumpet, but I was sure I could figure it out. Five minutes after asking him he came up from his basement and said “you can have this one, but it’s not a toy!”

For years as I grew older every time I visited their house in New Jersey I would ask if I could play his mandolin. Without hesitation he would go get it from the basement and graciously let me play it, but every time would remind me “this is not a toy!”. I would kind of just sit their and admire it, and eventually tried to make music just strumming it. Once I had gotten a guitar of my own and started playing pretty religiously he decided it was time to pass down his mandolin, which I still have.

Fast forward to this past year when my Grandfather decided to pass down the Hammond Organ that I grew up admiring in his living room. I couldn’t have felt more honored and will cherish it dearly until I have the chance to pass it down to another musical generation. In regards to the organ he never told me, “this is not a toy!”, but I knew what an honor it was to be given this instrument.

Through the years music has always played a big part in my life; whether it was playing in bands, listening to all kinds of music, throwing on headphones and drumming along to favorite song, or just picking up a guitar and strumming a few chords. Much of the love for music that I have was given to me by my Grandfather, and for that I am so very grateful.

Posted by Tom G on 09/05/2018

2018.09.05
Through the eyes of his daughter Carla

I met Mr. Giachero at one of Carla's birthday parties at the train station in Bound Brook.  I could see and feel the energy and  the love this family has for each other.  To me Mr. Giachero was a quiet man who was in the moment enjoying his daughters celebration.  He will be truley missed by his family and friends, but now he will be playing in the band with the angels in heaven.  Prayers to all for strength............Jane Biago

 

 

 

Posted by Jane B on 09/05/2018

2018.09.05
Special Friends

How we could ever forget John and Norrie. While camping at Assateague State Park in Maryland, John remembered us even though we had changed Campers and Vehicles a couple of years prior. He loved a good clean Joke and we spent many hours and days together with he and Norrie.Very special friend that will be sorely missed. Larry & Jeanie Motter, now living in Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, Pa.Moved in here on Aug29,2018

 

 

 

Posted by Larry M on 09/05/2018

2018.09.06
Choir Member

John sat beside me when he joined the choir of St. Patrick.  He was blessed with great voice and pitch and helped the tenors stay focused.  He was always so funny and told me and my friend Annette a joke at theend of every practice.  He always sat at the back row at the end and I was always sad when he wasn't there.

                                                                                                         I'll pray for him and think of him always.  Lovingly in Christ,  Linda Rudzinski

Posted by Linda R on 09/07/2018

2018.09.07
Patience and Humor

These are the two things that I remember most about John E. Giachero.  My family and the Giachero family go back longer than I can remember.  We (the seven Tuchers) and they (the eight Giacheros) got together for picnics, swimming, school functions and more.  John E’s patience stands out as one of his strongest attributes and I was the beneficiary of his patient largesse in the sixth grade.  He was my music teacher and a thoroughly accomplished sax player and clarinetist.  I was a terrible clarinet player, yet he ushered me through my squawks and squeaks each music class with understanding and aplomb.

And then there was humor.  As a young boy, I remember how John enjoyed telling a good joke, and how he would love to call my father every time he heard one and deliver it over the phone.  The phone would ring and my father would answer.  I’d hear a distant, “Hey Al, I have another!”  Then I’d hear the buzz of his voice as he told it.  And then, over my father’s belly laugh, I’d hear John’s booming guffaw.  And then, a simple, “Okay, bye.”  And they’d hang up.  More often than not we’d be told the joke afterwards.

Posted by Rob T on 09/07/2018

2018.09.07
A Tribute to my Uncle Johhny

Yesterday was my Uncle's funeral. It was a beautiful tribute. The bright side was being able to reconnect with all my cousins who I haven't seen in quite a while.

This brings to mind something I hear often as we get older....

"Isn't it sad how we grow apart....I miss (insert fond memory)."

Well, I've thought about that alot these past few days. Yes, I do miss all the wonderful times I had as a child. for example, I miss the Sunday dinners at grandma's when we all got together over spagetti. I miss the weekends I spent with various relatives, and the wonderful times we had.

The thing is tho, while I do miss all those things, I realize as we get older, we start to build families and friendships of our own. Our family expands, and so do our memories. We create new ones, take on the roles of our mentors, and start our own legacy. This doesn't replace or invalidate those memories from our childhood, but enhances them.

So, in answer to that question "Isn't it sad we grow apart" my answer is no...because all those memories and experiences make me who I am today. I will always cherish them and love those who gave so much to me when I was young...and the best tribute I can give to them is to do those same things for others I meet as I get older.

I hope that makes sense. I love you Uncle Johnny, and I hope my kindness is a tribute to you.

Posted by Robert D on 09/07/2018

2018.09.07
A really good man

For all the years i knew John he, and Norrie, always treated me a son, as well as a son-in law. He was an exceptionally good man.

He was always at peace with his God. Now he is at peace, with his God.

Do not mourn for his passing. Celebrate his life through yours. 

Posted by Jack L on 09/07/2018