Rev. John A. “Jack” Harpold, 83, was ushered into heaven and the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, while surrounded by family. To be separated from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Born on Aug. 6, 1940, in Washington, D.C., the son of the late William C. and Drewry E. Harpold, John married Doris R. Harpold on June 4, 1960, and they shared 53 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2013. John married Judith “Judy” Royer Hostetter on June 17, 2017.
John graduated from Frederick High School, Frederick, MD, in 1959, Frederick Community College in 1966, and Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, PA, in 2019. John was licensed to the ministry by Frederick Church of the Brethren, in 1972, and ordained in 1975. He served as the pastor of Thurmont Church of the Brethren, Thurmont, MD 1972-79, Piney Creek Church of the Brethren, Taneytown, MD 1973-79, Richland Church of the Brethren, Richland, PA 1979-83, and former Midway Church of the Brethren (now South Lebanon Community Church), Lebanon PA 1983-2005. He served long-term interims at six other churches in central Pennsylvania after his retirement. John enjoyed studying the Bible, reading, working outdoors, building, and repairing things.
John is survived by his wife, Judy; three sons, Arthur (Pandora), Wesley (Sherri), and Curtis; grandchildren, Ellen (David) Superdock, Kaitlyn (Gene) Santiago, Emily (Jared) Hunsinger, Andria, and Bryson; five great-grandchildren; step-children, Roberta (David) Miller and Gerald “Butch” (Pam) Hostetter; foster sons, Terry (Cheryl) Gingrich, Michael Nissley, and Tam Nguyen; and 10 foster grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Juanita Cutler; and brothers, Chuck and George (Phyllis).
John was predeceased by his sisters, Florence Dean, and Lois Middlekauff; brothers, William “Cody” and Norman; and foster son, Brian Ream.
Viewing and services will be held at South Lebanon Community Church, 13 Evergreen Road, Lebanon, PA 17042, with viewing on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 10-11 a.m. Services will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, with interment to follow at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South Lebanon Community Church.