Paul J. John, Sr., age 85, longtime resident of Chalfont, PA, and Stone Harbor, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 23, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Herman and Hazel (née Thomas) John. Paul grew up in the Olney section of Philadelphia and went on to graduate from North Catholic High School in 1958. He continued his education at Temple University, graduating in 1962.
Paul proudly served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain. Following his military service, he went on to build a long career as Business Manager for Asplundh Tree Expert Company. After retirement he worked as the Business Manager for Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church.
He was the loving husband of Kathleen (née O’Grady) for 64 years; devoted father of Paul Jr. (Ann), Bill (Laurie), Kathleen Toften, and Linda; and Pop Pop to Christopher John, Caitlyn (John Stevens) John, Shannon John, and Ryan Toften.
Paul played football in high school and college. He coached football, softball, and basketball for Parkwood Youth Organization and Lenape Valley Recreation Council.
In retirement he enjoyed daily two-mile walks in his neighborhood or at Peace Valley Park, fishing, watching sunsets at their home in Stone Harbor, spending time with family in his backyard “bier garten,” and trips to Disney World.
He loved his trains, and his many cats and dogs over the years.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Thursday Evening, May 21, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, 532 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA (across from Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church); or Friday morning, May 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Saint Jude Church and Shrine, 321 West Butler Avenue, Chalfont, PA. Paul’s Mass of Christian Burial will follow beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Interment will be at Saint John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.
In lieu of flowers, donations can made in Paul’s name to Saint Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA; Stray Cat Blues, Colmar, PA; or Peace Valley Nature Center, Doylestown, PA.
I’m very sorry to hear this and condolences to Aunt Kathleen, Paul Billy, Kathleen and Linda and the entire family. My memories of Uncle Paul are of a successful man who cared deeply for his family and friends. To a a life well lived.
May he Rest in Peace.
Ron Ebert
Paul was one of my Temple Athletics Oldtimers who I first met in September 1959 when I enrolled at Temple. I reconnected with Paul in 2009 when I reconnected with Temple Football.
He was an excellent athlete at North Catholic High School and was awarded a football scholarship to Temple University. He was a three year starter at both OT and DT.
Paul will be dearly missed in the Owl Community. You couldn’t meet a finer person. His obituary is awesome.
+ Rest In Peace + Dear Friend, It was my pleasure to share your time on earth.
The man I knew as “Uncle Paul” was always a strong, gentle, kind and calming presence through my childhood. His intelligence and understated sense of humor were always present in the many parties and get togethers our families shared. Lynne and I send our deepest condolences to Aunt Kathleen, Paul Jr., Kathleen, Linda, Billy and their families.
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOHN;S PASSING.. I REMEMBER MANY GOOD TIMES AT NORTH CATHOLIC AND ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. WE BOTH ATTENDED NORTH AND TEMPLE. ALWAYS ENJOYED THE NORTH CLASS REUNIONS. AND FUNCTIONS WITH PAUL AND KATHLEEN. PAUL WAS A HUMBLE GUY AND A TRUE GENTLEMAN.OUR CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
JIM AND PEG GALLO
So sorry for your loss. Paul was a man of the highest integrity. I only wish that we had more opportunities to interact after graduation from TU! He was a my teammate and will be missed. Love to all!
Very sad to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a great Owl and friend of the Temple nation! I will miss our brief interludes walking in Peace Valley Park and at our Temple Old Timers lunch. RIP old Owl friend. 🙏
Sending deepest condolences to the John family. Paul was a great Temple Owl teammate and will be sorely missed at our Temple “Oldtimers” events.
RIP Paul. 🙏🏼🦉
Rest In Peace old Owl friend! I’ll miss you at our Temple Old Timers Luncheons! 🙏🦉
We are deeply saddened by Paul’s passing. He was a classmate of John’s at St. Helena’s School in Olney and North Catholic High School. He was one of the kindest and loving people we have ever known. We will miss his beautiful smile kind and gentle personality.
Mary Louise and John Ryan