Obituaries

John Franklin Lavelle, 84

January 20, 2019

John Franklin Lavelle, of Lancaster, died peacefully on January 20, 2019 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy. He would have been 85 this January.
He was born in Minneapolis, MN to the late John Joseph and Evelyn Cartwright Lavelle. He was the loving husband of Margaret Ann Lavelle, sharing 61 years of marriage.
John was a scholar, a teacher, a mathematician, a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He received his doctorate in Mathematics with a specialty in algebraic number theory from Penn State University. He pursued his career as a Professor of Math and Computer Science at Millersville University, retiring after 35 years in 1994. He lived and taught for a short period in England as well.
John was an avid golfer, bridge and chess player, often going to tournaments. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife to destinations such as Russia and China.
John was a member of St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, is a daughter, Julie A. married to Jerry M. Miller, and a son, Gregory H. married to Athena C. Lavelle. He has three grandchildren: Kurtis M. Miller married to Izabela, Kristin Miller Biagio married to Nicholas Biagio, and Madeline G. Lavelle, and 2 great grandchildren Gabriel Miller and Brynna Biagio. He was preceded in death by his son, John Arthur Lavelle and his brother, George Cartwright Lavelle.
Friends will be received at St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 10-11AM, with the Mass to follow at 11AM. Interment in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in John’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

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Condolences to the Family

February 27, 2019

2-24-19

Dear Midge:
 
So sorry to hear the sad news about Frank, my life-long best friend! All through
 
grade school, then high school and later at St. John’s, where I ran out of money!
 
After a brief work spell at the Great Northern Depot, loading mail sacks on trains, the Korea War was on, so I walked over to the Armory, volunteered for the draft, hoping the GI Bill would help pay for my schooling (assuming I survived and made it back home).
 
I remember vividly a woman at the Armory saying, “Well, how old are you?”
 
Standing tall I defiantly said, “Well, I’m 18!”
 
She said, “Sorry, we’re only taking 19-year-olds!”
 
After her refusal, I quickly said, “Wait, a minute, my 19th birthday is coming up!”
 
The rest is history. I was flown to Camp Roberts, CA, in the heart of the San Jaochim Valley, half way between ‘Frisco & LA. After four months basic, I came back to MinneSNOWta, got married, then drove back to CA for Leadership School. Graduating after a few months, I drove Donna home to Lincoln, NE, where her folks had moved while we were in CA. Then I got a free hop on a B-25 bomber back to ‘Frisco, reporting to Camp Stoneman for shipment to Korea. On and on the story goes, so I’ll save some for another time.
 
Hope you’ve been able to survive the tragedy of Frank’s passing. I miss him, too! We were such good friends over the years. Thanks to you, especially, for
 
taking the time to tell me the sad news. I will always be grateful!
 
God bless you and keep you in His care always!
 
Don Montgomery
 
3330 Edinborough Way, Apt 1313
 
Edina, MN 55435

January 27, 2019

Back in the fall of 1972 in my Senior Year as a Math Major at Millersville, I had a life changing experience with Dr. Lavelle that I will never forget.  I wanted to thank him personally since I have just retired for the career that I ultimately pursued was because of him guiding me in the right direction. I am celebrating his life legacy along with many other people that he has touched throughout his life.  Midge and all of the family members: You are in our prayers. Dean Gianopoulos ’73 (Becky and Nick)

January 27, 2019

Goodbye old friend, be at peace with God!  We met at the Lancaster Chess Club way back in the1960s, had many a good cigar and glass of porter together as we tried mayhem on each other over a chess board.  Social gatherings with friends and families where arguments could be about politics, philosophy, baseball or anything in between.  Often loud but always good natured.  Thanks for the memories, you helped to make the world a more pleasant place.  Midge and family we grieve too, you are in our prayers.
John & Terry Townend

January 25, 2019

John was a very loving, kind person.  John was one of my professors in the Math Department, always had a smile, good morning and kind word to everyone.  He was wonderful to work with and I missed him after I retired in 2004.  Never seen him angry, always happy.  John and his wife Midge were some of my favorite people when I worked in the Math Department.   Elizabeth (Betty) Counts

January 23, 2019

John was one of my wonderful math profs at Millerville State Teachers College. Though I have forgotten the name(s) of the course(s), I will long remember his kind, pleasant and contented personality. One of a kind. Met him years later, and he was the same lovely person. Denny Weber

January 23, 2019

My condolences to the family.
I had Dr. Lavelle at Millersville University and he was my favorite professor.
Sincerely,
Stuart A. Brosey (class of ’88)

January 23, 2019

My deepest sympathies to you, Greg, and your family, on the passing of your father.  Fran Haldeman

Visitation
Friday, January 25, 2019
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church
2111 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Friday, January 25, 2019
11:00 AM
St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church
2111 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

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