John R. Hertzler

On July 1, 2025, John “Jack” R. Hertzler, Sr went to be with the Lord. Jack was born on November 30, 1938, the son of Blanche (Vogt) Hertzler and Richard Hertzler. Jack’s paternal and maternal grandparents lived on Coral Street in Lancaster and eventually his parents raised him in their new home at 101 Coral Street, continuing a Hertzler family tradition of Coral Street residency that lasted nearly a century.

Jack’s lifelong friend Robert (Bob) Tangert figured prominently in events that shaped Jack’s future. As teenagers, the boys ventured to Stone Harbor, NJ, to visit Bob’s future wife Judy. Judy was vacationing with her best friend Barbara Brill and it was at Stone Harbor that Jack was introduced to Barbara, who would become his wife. The couples remained best friends throughout their lives.

Jack started his career as an usher at the King Theater in Lancaster, and eventually went to work at Vogt Radiator Shop, the family business his grandfather started at the dawn of the automobile. After graduating from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1957, he worked as a design engineer for the Hamilton Watch Company and part-time for Slaymaker Lock while taking engineering classes. Jack eventually retired from Hamilton (Bulova Technologies) after 40 years of service.

Jack was skilled at all vocational trades. He added a garage to his home in the 1960’s and additions to both the house and garage in later years. Jack retained his 1956 Chevrolet 210 that he had dated Barbara in for his entire life and was the proud owner of a 1937 Chevrolet truck. He camped twice every year at the Carlisle Fairgrounds collector car events.

Jack loved animals and was affectionately called the cat whisperer. He helped the family Labrador retriever deliver six puppies and rescued kittens in a snowstorm. Jack enjoyed gardening and tennis and eventually became a shareholder and caretaker of Westside Tennis Club. He also was a member of the 8th Ward Beneficial Association.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara. Jack is survived by his children: John, Jr., Michael, and Lisa; his four grandchildren: Amanda MacIntire (Andrew), Caroline Benyo (Jacob), Alicia Ehrhart (Shane), and M. Jack Hertzler (Meghan); and seven great-grandchildren: Freya, Annaleigh, Hazel, Vaeda, Wesley, Austin, and Baby Ehrhart. He is also survived by his brother, P. David Hertzler and by Mark Urban and his son, Cole, whom he considered to be his adopted son and grandson, as well as longtime tennis friends: Gail Booth and Lucy Meissner. The family would like to thank the staff of Moravian Manor for the love and care they provided to Jack.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wesley Church, 1104 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville, PA 17566 on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The family will greet friends at 11:00 am and a Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the service. A private burial will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County, 26 Millersville Road, Lancaster, PA 17603.