Obituary of John Jacob Donecker

John Jacob Donecker, age 89, a resident of Gwynedd Estates in Ambler for the past 12 years and former 42-year resident of Glenside, died on April 30, 2010, at Ft. Washington Estates. John was married for 60 years to Mary Elizabeth prior to her death in 2006. John missed her dearly. Born and raised in Philadelphia, John was the son of the late Paul and Florence Gail Donecker. He graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1937. Following a stint in the Army during World War II, he graduated with a degree in chemistry from Dickinson College in 1950 by the GI Bill. His education led him to be a loyal employee of Philadelphia Gas Works for over 35 years. John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was incredibly proud of all of his children's accomplishments. Dating from his father's service for the Reading Railroad, he also enjoyed trains, both model and real. He was delighted to share this passion with his family and friends. Another passion in his life was being a social activist, standing up for the "little guy." Whether a poor man, a sick child or a refugee family from Vietnam, John and Mary had a life-long desire to serve others. By small acts of kindness, they believed they would help make the world a better place to live, and they did. To this end, John was very active at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Glenside, serving many years on the Social Concerns' Committee. His humility in partnership with his kind sense of humor left an impression on all he met. John is survived by his four children, The Rev. Paul C. Donecker and his wife Leigh of Lewisburg, PA; Dr. Jay Donecker and his wife Anne of Reidsville, NC; Ann D. and her husband Rick Gebert of Ambler, PA; Siu C. and her husband Zbigniew Raguza of Montgomerville, PA; his grandchildren, John, Ashley, Jim, Sherrie, Greg, Chris, Holly and Kim, as well as his great-grandchildren, Noah and Ainsley. His son Bruce S. Donecker died in 1994. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 654 N. Easton Road, Glenside. Friends will be received following the service. Burial in the memorial gardens of the church will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to: ACTS Hospice 812 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, Pa 19002.