On Friday, May 13, 2022, the world lost a unique soul as John Arthur Ketterer of Northampton, PA, was called home. Gone far too soon at age 66, John was born on February 16, 1956, in Philadelphia, PA to Allan and Darlene Ketterer.
John and his three sisters, Mary Lynn, Lizanne, and Leslie, moved to Lansdale, PA, where the family put down their roots. Many know John from his years at Lansdale Catholic High School, and later North Penn, where he graduated in 1975. John began his working life at Lehigh Valley Dairy, where he met many wonderful friends. He then transitioned to working in the healthcare field, assisting those with mental and physical handicaps.
John’s true passion, however, was refereeing soccer. John played, coached, and ref’d soccer for more than 45 years. He was a fun-loving referee who took the time to not only oversee gameplay but also teach players and parents the rules of the game and a passion for the sport. His love of the game truly shined through while on the pitch. John was a people person. He was a friend to the friendless. John would meet new people everywhere he went, always leaving them with a lasting impression. He was a very selfless man who would do anything for anyone. John also was a joker. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. Sometimes his jokes weren’t appropriate, but they were always funny. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, big booming voice, friendly smile, and wild stories and jokes.
John is survived by his former wife, Joyce (Moyer), daughter Janine St Denis (Dan), son Shawn Ketterer (Katie), his precious granddaughters, Waverly and Harper, granddogs Orion and Rocky, sisters Lizanne (Joe) and Leslie, along with numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Marie Darlene Ketterer and his sister Mary Lynn McDowell.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend John’s Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 10:30 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, where the family will receive friends in Church prior to Mass, beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment Private
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Montgomery United Soccer Club to help foster children’s passion for John’s beloved sport.
I’ll miss seeing your smiling face and hearing your wise jokes! The block hasn’t been the same since you’ve been gone. I miss you neighbor!
True friend and man!
He will be missed by many!
Prayers RIP my friend til we meet again!
Charlie and Sydney McGarrigle
John … I miss your fun loving personality and our talks. I enjoyed helping you set up your Social Security. I’m so sad that you did not get the opportunity to collect what you earned, you were such a hard worker.
So glad that you made it to my grandson’s soccer game at Northern Lehigh. You cracked up every one in the stands, even the Referee. You brought life to the game that day.
We also enjoyed having you at the Ice Hockey games. We loved the way that you always talked to everyone and made people smile. So glad that we had the friendship that we did.
I really miss talking to you. So glad that I now have a picture of you for memory sake. I’m sure that you’re up there in heaven bringing your joy to the everyone in the afterlife.
Rest in piece dear friend … see you again one day, GOD willing. Love You 😘 💕 Deb
Saddened to read of “Johnny’s” passing. We both grew up on Monticello Place in Lansdale. It was a terrific time to be a kid. Whether it was sharing his marvel comic books or teaching us younger kids the finer points of foul shooting, John was fun to be around. Just a really good guy. I was glad to call him a friend.
Shawn, Very sorry for the loss of your father. He certainly loved life and taught you well!
Coach