Obituaries

Rev. John D. Schmalhofer, 73

April 26, 2021

Rev. John D. Schmalhofer, 73, of Chambersburg, formerly of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021. He was born in Lancaster and was the son of the late Joseph M. and Mary A. (Baker) Schmalhofer.

He graduated from St. Joseph’s School, Lancaster Catholic High School 1966, Saint Mary’s College, Kentucky 1970, and Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg. Father John’s Date of Ordination was on April 27, 1974 at Saint Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg at the hands of Bishop Joseph Daley.

His assignments included Saint Joan of Arc, Hershey, Good Shepherd Parish, Camp Hill, Saint George Mission, Mifflinburg, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel, Corpus Christi Parish, Chambersburg, Sacred Heart Parish, Lewistown, Saint Jude Thaddeus Parish, Mifflintown, Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick, Harrisburg, Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Lebanon, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, New Holland, and Saint Vincent DePaul Parish, Hanover.

Father John was raised in the German Catholic neighborhood of Lancaster City known by many as Cabbage Hill. He grew up attending St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a part of the Choir at Lancaster Catholic High School.

Father John projected happiness and inspiration to everyone he ever met. He brought out the best in everyone and every situation. He was a humble and simple man and was very proud to serve the church. He was a diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan, baseball memorabilia collector, and wanted to visit every MLB ballpark in the country. He loved trips to the Phillies games and going out to dinner to Italian restaurants in South Philadelphia. He enjoyed Civil War history and often would visit the Gettysburg monuments. He was very proud to actively participate in all of the Schmalhofer family affairs, such as family weddings, funerals, baptisms, and all of the sacraments. He never missed the annual family Thanksgiving Dinners.

Father John is survived by a sister, Ann M. Wendel, of Lancaster, a brother Paul T. Schmalhofer, of Henderson, NV, an aunt, Sister Bernadine Schmalhofer M.S.B.T., nieces, Bonnie A. Yingst, wife of Dale, of Harrisburg, Julie M. Asquith, wife of Greg, of Anaheim, CA, Betsy L. Wendel, companion of Tom Kelsch, of Glen Mills, nephews Bryan Schmalhofer, husband of Christy, of Lancaster, David A. Wendel, husband of Carmen, of Lancaster, Gregory Schmalhofer of Lancaster, niece Sheri Myers of Akron, OH and a host of 1st and 2nd cousins, great nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph F. Schmalhofer.

On Tuesday, May 4th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St. Lancaster, PA, 17603, visitors are welcome to a viewing from 5pm to 7pm with a Mass of Transferal to follow at 7pm.

On Wednesday, May 5th at St. Joseph Catholic Church. 440 St. Joseph St. Lancaster, PA 17603, visitors are welcome to a viewing from 9:30am to 10:45am. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am celebrated by the The Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer. Final Farewell and Commendation will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

Flowers are invited and Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to Lancaster Catholic High School 650 Juliette Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

June 03, 2021

Father John Schmalhoffer will be greatly missed. He was like a big daddy to me; he made my stay at Our Lady of Visitation Parish, Shippensburg awesome. May God grant him a place in heaven.
Father John Ograh

May 09, 2021

Our sincerest condolences on Father Schmalhofer’s passing. We remember him fondly. He officiated at our wedding in 1991 and his sermon epitomized the love of God. May his memory be a blessing.

May 06, 2021

Dear Schmalhofer family,
My sincerest condolences on Reverend John’s passing. A gentle and loving soul who was kind to everyone. Will never forget the childhood memories I shared with him at the pond field and Lafayette. We grew up in the best of times and lived happy childhoods. May God and your own cherished thoughts of Father John be a comfort to you. Sincerely,
Tom Stipe

May 04, 2021

My deepest sympathy to Father Schmalhofer’s family. The passing of Father Schmalhofer came as a devastating shock. Having known him since the late 70’s when he first arrived at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lewistown, and having kept in touch over the years, I will miss him immensely. He was always there for me, during the good times and the bad. He transcended the darkness and could transform sadness into joy. Father John was kind, compassionate, and truly loving in a Christian way. He turned away no one and truly found the good in all. Father Schmalhofer was a man of tremendous humility and the most joyful human being I have ever met. Though I will miss him, the joy that he must be experiencing now brings a smile to my heart, just as he himself did so many times.
MaryLou Sigler

May 02, 2021

Dear Schmalhofer Family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Father John. He was our priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. I attended the RCIA Program under his guidance. He had a huge impact on my life and the lives of my husband and children. A true shepherd. I will always think fondly of Father John, his kindness, gentleness, and his wonderful sense of humor.

May 02, 2021

Dear Schmalhofers, So sorry to hear of Father John’s passing. Even though he was from the “other Schmalhofer clan” it was always wonderful to talk to him and to read of his travels.
Peace,
The Bruno Schmalhofer Family

May 01, 2021

Farewell my life-long friend. You were truly close to God and served Him well. I hope to see you in heaven when my journey here on earth ends.

May 01, 2021

So sorry to hear of Father Schmalhofers passing. Met Father when he was our priest in Lewistown, Pa. during the 70’s and 80’s. As we were of the same age i relished his wisdom and his friendship. Will always appreciate his uligy at my dad and mothers funeral. Many cherised memories of his time at Lewistown. God bless you my friend….

April 30, 2021

We are beyond comprehending this news of the passing of our dear friend! Last Friday afternoon, he had made plans to join us for a late evening get-together at our home for tomorrow evening, May 1. for a fun evening, watching together one of his old favorite TV shows, Lawrence Welk. We asked if he had been well and he assured us he was doing fine. We last saw him just before Easter. He was a part of our family in so many ways, He sang solos for our oldest daughter’s wedding at Corpus Christi and celebrated the weddings of 4 of our 7 daughters. His love, his gentle humor, and exceeding kindness will live in our hearts forever. Paul and Brenda Little, Chambersburg.

April 30, 2021

May Father Schmalhofer rest in the Peace of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. A dedicated priest he was!
mike bannon

April 30, 2021

So sorry to hear of Fr. John’s passing. He was a friend of the family when we were growing up on Cabbage Hill. Always a fun person to be with and a good listener. He will be missed by all.
Fran Lombardo Spangler

April 29, 2021

I am so sad to hear of Father John’s passing. He was such a sweet, kind man with a warming laugh and he served God well. He will be missed.
Trisha Schmalhofer

April 29, 2021

My boyhood friend while growing up on the hill. Enjoy many train rides on Sunday’s to see the Phillies in the 50’s and 60’s. I was so proud of my cousin when he became a priest. So sad when I heard the news and was not be able to see him last thanksgiving and was looking forward to this year. Am not looking forward to saying my last goodbye on Wednesday.
Bob Daecher

April 29, 2021

So very sorry I never got to meet father John. I know I would have had only good things to say about him. Even though I am of the Jewish faith and a partner to his brother Paul, I would have loved to have met and conversed with him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Beth jacoby

Visitation: Tuesday, May 04, 2021; 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM; St. Joseph Catholic Church; 440 St. Joseph St.; Lancaster, PA
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Visitation: Monday, April 05, 2021; 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM; St. Joseph Catholic Church; 440 St. Joseph St.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Wednesday, May 05, 2021; 11:00 AM; St. Joseph Catholic Church; 440 St. Joseph St.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >