John A. Michelson

John Alexander Michelson, 84, of Auburn, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, April 14, at his home. He was a brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Those who knew him will remember a quiet man of quiet pursuits. Never without a book within reach, he enjoyed immensely the stories of cowboys, spies, detectives and tales of derring-do. When his head was not in a a book, John could be found puttering in his garden, growing the vegetables he did not care to eat but still proudly presented to his family. He was a lover of birds, golf, National Parks, cheap beer, jigsaw puzzles and a good verbal tussle. He traveled the world with his wife, Helen, finding adventure in the quiet enjoyment of beautiful places. Music was always prominent in his life. From his reel to reel tapes to his iPod, he shared with his family a love of John Denver, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Elvis that survives to this day.

John was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938, the son of the late Janet (Hasbrouck) and Bernhard Michelson. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, before proudly serving his country in the US Air Force. He attended Penn State University. He made his living for 40 years as a machinist, while also finding time to volunteer as a member of the East Hanover (NJ) First Aid Squad. John was a lifelong baseball fan who never quite forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn.

John is survived by his beloved wife Helen (Chase), daughters Laura Zartman and her husband Brad of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania; Jennifer Michelson of Hopewell, New Jersey; grandchildren Aleksander Michelson, Rebeccalynn Michelson and Hunter Zartman. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law , Eric and Martha Michelson of Pensacola, Florida, and their children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 20th at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Summer Hill, Auburn, with Pastor Kenneth McDowell officiating.

A viewing for family and friends will be held prior from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the Church.

Interment will follow at Summer Hill Cemetery, Auburn.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Living Memorial, 1235 Summer Hill Road, Auburn PA 17922.