John "Jack" D. Ashner of Whitehall, PA passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born in Palmerton, PA to the late Pearl Blose Ashner Whiteman and Donald Ashner. He was married for 65 years to his loving wife, Grace. John graduated from Palmerton High School in 1955 and Muhlenberg College in 1970. In between, he served in the US Navy for three years on board the USS Borie (DD704) followed by active reserve, attaining the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer during eight years of service. During this time of military service and going to college, John married his high school sweetheart, Grace Visnosky, and was raising their three children. His career of 2 years at Baker Chemical Co. followed by over 37 years at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Western Electric, Alcatel-Lucent, from which he retired in 1999 as a senior engineer. While at Bell Labs, John authored and co-authored many technical papers including several published in Technical Journals, one of which was the outstanding paper at the IEEE Radiation Effect Conference at Penn State in 1969.

John was a member of Annunciation BVM Catholic Church (St. Mary's Catholic Church) in Catasauqua where he served on the parish council, usher and money counter. In addition, John an honorary Plank Owner of the USS Waldron (DD699) alumni association, and a long-time member of the Tin Can Sailors. He was a Past Master of Porter Lodge No. 284, Catasauqua, and a past High Priest of Catasauqua Royal Arch Chapter, No. 278, serving both in various capacities. He was a life member of Lehigh No. 1, Lehighton, Fullerton and West Catasauqua Fire Co. No 1. John also was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 454 in Northampton where he served with the honor guard.

Survivors: wife, Grace; daughter, Suzanne Rutkowski (James); son, Michael (Jeff); granddaughters, Jennifer Sopak (Harold), Amber Rutkowski; great grandson, Hunter Sopak; brother, Gregory Whiteman; sister, Linda Bottcher (Robert); sister-in-law, Margo Ashner; many nieces, nephews; John was pre-deceased by a son, John Jr., and a brother, Ronald.

The world lost a wonderful, loving, honest and kind man who never had an unkind word about anyone. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at LVHN for the wonderful care they provided to John.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 17th at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation BVM Church (St. Mary's), 122 Union St., Catasauqua. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the church. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton. Online condolences may be offered below.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church or to a charity of one's choice in the loving memory of John.