John G. Bear

John G. Bear, 69 of Newville, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at his home.

Born Nov. 14, 1942, in Carlisle, he was the son of the late Mervin J. and A. Mildred (Melester) Bear.

John was a 1961 graduate of Carlisle High School and a graduate of DeVry University. John was previously employed by the former McCoy Electronics for 23 years and was a truck driver for Allen Distribution for 16 years until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle.

John was a talented woodworker who also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and farming. He was a fan of all sports but he especially liked NASCAR and his favorite driver was Tony Stewart.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Rhoda Haulter Bear, Newville; a daughter, Rhonda E. Hartzell and her husband Charles Jr., Angoon, Alaska; two grandchildren, Ashley Marie Hartzell and Joshua Lee Hartzell, both of Angoon, Alaska; sisters, Beverly A. Eshenour and her husband H. Carroll, Carlisle and Beatrice A. Painter and her husband George, Manheim; a god-daughter, Dawne Dorf and her husband Leslie, Downingtown; an aunt, Evelyn Heller, Biglerville; and nine nieces and nephews.

Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 E. High St., Carlisle with the Rev. Charles A. Brophy officiating. Burial will be held at Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens. There will be a viewing from 12 p.m. Thursday until the time of the services in the church.

Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 N. Hanover St., Carlisle is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Penn State (Hershey Medical Center), Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, 600 Centerview Drive, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033-0852 or First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford St., Carlisle PA 17013.