John W. Dechert, Sr, 80

May 07, 2025

John William Dechert, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Columbia, PA. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. John touched the lives of many with his exceptional skills, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family and to helping others.

He was born on April 17, 1945, in Hackensack, NJ. He lived in Wood Ridge, and in Carlstadt, NJ with his parents and brother before moving to Washington Township, NJ with his wife Marianne.

John attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, and then worked for 35 years at Columbia University in the Engineering Research Laboratories as a Supervisor for Support Services. In his spare time, John was a talented woodworker. He also loved to restore antique cars.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marianne Dechert, his daughter Christine Holdren (her husband Mike), and their two daughters Natalie and Riley, his son John Jr (his fiancé Jamie), and John Jr’s daughter Kayla.

He was predeceased by his father, John H. Dechert, his mother, Johanna Dechert, and his brother Larry Dechert.

He will be cremated on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home on Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA. There will be a “Celebration of Life” at a later date for the immediate family.

Anyone who wishes to make a memorial donation to honor John, or light a remembrance candle, can do so on the St. Jude Shrine, Baltimore, MD website.