John F. Payonk, Sr., 92, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023. John was the husband of the late Anna (Gratzer), who passed away on April 16, 2000. Born October 23, 1930, in Cementon, he was a son of the late John and Catherine (Emerick) Payonk. John was a boiler tender at Mack Trucks for 32 years. He was fortunate enough to say that he was retired longer than he worked. John honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. He was aboard the U.S.S. Rich 820 and the U.S.S. William Wood 715. John was a lifetime member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. He enjoyed hunting with his son and cousins and was a member of Hillside Hunting Camp. John's favorite hobby was fixing things; he had a knack for knowing just how something needed to be adjusted. He also enjoyed bowling.

Survivors: daughters, Patricia Schuler and Cynthia Frisch; grandchildren, Tiffany James (Pete), Brian Frisch (Wendy), Stacey Cook (Jess), and Brent Frisch; step-granddaughters, Felicia and Amanda; 11 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sherri Payonk; and sister, Carolyn Hodle, of AZ. John was predeceased by his son, John Jr.; son-in-law, Barry Schuler; and brothers, Frederick, Bernard, and John.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 3 ^rd at 11:00 a.m. in Assumption BVM Church, 22 ^nd & Washington Ave., Northampton. Family and friends may call Monday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Nazareth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to Vet 2 Vet Service Dogs, P.O. Box 324, Coopersburg, PA 18036 in loving memory of John. Online condolences may be offered below.