John J. Mentzer, Jr. 71, retired Lancaster City Police Sergeant, of West Lampeter, Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in Bethany Beach, DE with his wife, by his side. He was born in Lancaster to the late John J. and Frieda (Shoff) Mentzer.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dawn M. (Stauffer) Mentzer. They were married on April 24, 1960.

John, known as "Big Daddy" around the Station, retired on February 25, 1995 after 26 years with the Lancaster City Police Department as a Sargent.  He also worked part time for 20 years for Lancaster General Hospital.

John graduated from Lampeter Strasburg High School in 1959. He was a member of the Columbia Elks, Lancaster FOP and former officer, Riverside Camping Association, and the Solanco Sportsmen Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal detecting, and photography.

Surviving in addition to his wife, two sons, Mark W. Mentzer, wife of Cathy, of New Providence, John M. Mentzer, of Quarryville, daughter in law, Becca Mentzer, of Ephrata, seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Carcamo, wife of Alex Carcamo, Rebekah, Sarah, Aubrey, Daniel, Katlynn, and Ian Mentzer, three great grandchildren, and a step brother, John "Jack" Barley, of Rapid City, SD. He was preceded in death by a son Robert B. Mentzer in 2010.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 10:15AM at Willow Street Mennonite Church 399 East Penn Grant Road Willow Street, PA 17584 with his son, Rev. Mark Mentzer and family friend Rev. Raymond Deiter officiating. A viewing will be held on Sunday evening with Lancaster City Police Honor Guard at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA from 6-8PM and again at the church from 9-10AM on Monday. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661