John W. Hemphill      “beloved father, son, brother, and uncle”

John W. Hemphill, 66, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in UPMC Hamot, Erie, after a long illness.

Born on Wednesday, February 19, 1958 in Olean, NY, he was a son of William L. “Bill” and Sharon G. Goodman Hemphill.   On July 21, 2000 in Swoyersville, he married Tanya L. Ayers, who passed away on May 20, 2014.

John was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1976, in Shinglehouse.  He served in the US Army for 5 years attaining the rank of Buck Sargent.  He served in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and had also was stationed at Dexheim, West Germany.

John held a number of occupations and operated several businesses.  He was a self-employed welder and was also was a factory welder having worked at Dresser-Rand in Olean, NY and Air Pre-Heater in Wellsville, NY.  He was a flight instructor and a commercial pilot.

John was a life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department where he had also been a past chief.  He was a member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association where he had served as an EMT.  He was a member of Sharon Lodge #598 F. & A.M. in Shinglehouse and a member of the Oswayo Valley Rod & Gun Club in Millport.  He was an avid bass fisherman and enjoyed hunting and scuba diving.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother of Shinglehouse; a son, Aaron J. Hemphill of Shinglehouse; a daughter, Stacy C. (Brett) Stasiw of Churchville, NY; a stepson, Michael (Elizabeth) Taylor of Shinglehouse; a sister, Elaine M. (Dan) Austin of Shinglehouse; a brother, Tom J. (Dani) Hemphill of West Monroe, NY; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his father and wife, John was predeceased by a sister, Ann L. Graeff.

Family and friends may call from 10am to 1pm on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse where funeral services will follow at 1pm.  Burial will be in Sharon Center Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

Members of Sharon Lodge #598 F. & A.M. will conduct a Masonic service at 12:45pm in the funeral home on Friday.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors at 1pm on Friday in the funeral home.

Members of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department will assemble on Friday at the funeral home to pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department Truck and Equipment Fund, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

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

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