John R. Schmerbeck

John Richard Schmerbeck, 78, of Coudersport, formerly of Hollidaysburg Pennsylvania, died Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at his home in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

John was born on July 3, 1943 in Sydney, Australia the son of the late John R. and Joan (Attridge) Schmerbeck. He was the eldest of eight siblings and of the Catholic faith.  On November 5, 1988 he married the former Tonya Lynn Hurd and would have celebrated 33 years of marriage on November 5th.

John was a veteran of the United States Navy, who served during the Korean war. He was employed by SKF Ball Bearing Company, where he spent 42 years as a gauge setter, QA inspector and shipping manager.  John was a member of the V.F.W. Post 8724, Alleghany Club, American Legion Fort Fetter Post 516 of Hollidaysburg, and the American Legion Potter Post 192 of Coudersport PA. 

John was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. John was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan Those who knew John understood his connection to nature and specifically, Trout. We often referred to him as the “Fish Whisperer”. In the 1980’s, John was credited with re-establishing the blighted American Chestnut Tree in Pennsylvania. Penn State visited his trees each year in the fall to take the chestnuts to ensure their survival.   

In addition to his wife, Tonya, John is survived by his Seven children: Daughters, Susan Kane of Huntingdon Pa, Lisa Lord of Birmingham, Al; Laurie Doiron of Amherst, N.H. and Tara Solar of Palmetto, Fl.; His sons Richard Schmerbeck of Pinellas Park Fl.; Ryan Butler and Dustin Butler both of Coudersport Pa.

John is survived by a sister, Cheryl Vold of Minnesota, and brothers Gary Schmerbeck of Iowa; Steve Schmerbeck and Mike Schmerbeck of Texas; Mark Schmerbeck, Tim Schmerbeck and Jeff Schmerbeck all of Minnesota; John had nineteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren along with many wonderful cousins nieces and nephews.  

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Sunday October 31, 2021 from 1-2 pm at the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East Street, Coudersport.  John’s funeral service will follow at 2pm with his brother, Tim Schmerbeck, officiating. 

To share your fondest memories o  John, or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

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