John Minderler

John A. Minderler “devoted volunteer, beloved father and grandfather”

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.---John A. Minderler, 82, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, in UPMC Williamsport, after an unexpected illness.

Born on Thursday, January 13, 1938 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Lawrence J. and Hellen Chamberlin Minderler. On August 5, 1961 in St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, he married Zita M. McChesney, who passed away on November 12, 1995.

He was a graduate of Allegany (N.Y.) High school. John was drafted into US Army serving in Germany during the Vietnam War.

John was employed as a mechanic in the service station of Sears Roebuck in Olean. While employed there, he also worked as a mechanic at the former Ahl’s Service Station in Shinglehouse. He later was employed as a machinist by the former Clark Brothers (which became Dresser Rand) in Olean for many years until his retirement.

A civic minded man, John was a 50 year life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a past chief, past president, served on the Board of Directors, was an EMT, ambulance president, Bingo captain, and had served in many other capacities throughout the years. He was one of the founding members of the Potter County Fire Departments Chief’s Association, a member of the Allegany (NY) and Tri-County Fireman’s Association, a member of the Potter County Local Emergency Planning Committee, a Potter County Fire Coordinator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Forest Fire Warden, and a Potter County Emergency Management Coordinator for Shinglehouse and numerous townships in the area. He also served on the Potter County Hazmat Response Unit. John was also a 42 year active member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 where he served several times as commander and had held many other positions in the organization. He was an active member of the Potter County Honor Guard. He had previously served as mayor of Shinglehouse for 9 years.

John loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to go to camp at the old family farm in Allegany with his brother, Larry. He most importantly treasured spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, and nieces.

Left to cherish his memory are five children, Bonita L. (Douglas) Estes of Shinglehouse, Edward C. “Eddie” (Jeff) Minderler of Cypress, Texas; James F. “Jimmie” (Cheryl) Minderler, Denise M. Minderler, and Lisa J. (Bryan) Louser, all of Shinglehouse; seven grandchildren, Dr. Ashley M. (Matthew Balthrop) Minderler, Buck A. (Autumn) Jackson, Danielle C. (Brandon) Myers, Megan A. (Aric) Stewart, Kylee A. (Ryan) Bachand, Jamie L. Minderler, and James F. Minderler, Jr.; thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence Minderler of Hamburg, N.Y.; and several nieces.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was predeceased by a granddaughter, Katie Lynn Freelove.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside burial services at 2pm on Sunday, June 27, 2021, in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. The Rev. Preston Hutchins, Jr., pastor of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard along with members of the Patriot Guard Riders will accord full military honors on Sunday.

Members of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department and the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance are respectfully requested to assemble as a group at 2pm at the cemetery on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, 1364 SR 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

John’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of John, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.